1
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Babot M, Boulard Y, Agouda S, Pieri L, Fieulaine S, Bressanelli S, Gervais V. Oligomeric assembly of the C-terminal and transmembrane region of SARS-CoV-2 nsp3. J Virol 2024; 98:e0157523. [PMID: 38483167 PMCID: PMC11019948 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01575-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
As for all single-stranded, positive-sense RNA (+RNA) viruses, intracellular RNA synthesis relies on extensive remodeling of host cell membranes that leads to the formation of specialized structures. In the case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus causing COVID-19, endoplasmic reticulum membranes are modified, resulting in the formation of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs), which contain the viral dsRNA intermediate and constitute membrane-bound replication organelles. The non-structural and transmembrane protein nsp3 is a key player in the biogenesis of DMVs and, therefore, represents an interesting antiviral target. However, as an integral transmembrane protein, it is challenging to express for structural biology. The C-terminus of nsp3 encompasses all the membrane-spanning, -interacting, and -remodeling elements. By using a cell-free expression system, we successfully produced the C-terminal region of nsp3 (nsp3C) and reconstituted purified nsp3C into phospholipid nanodiscs, opening the way for structural studies. Negative-stain transmission electron microscopy revealed the presence of nsp3C oligomers very similar to the region abutting and spanning the membrane on the cytosolic side of DMVs in a recent subtomogram average of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3-4 pore (1). AlphaFold-predicted structural models fit particularly well with our experimental data and support a pore-forming hexameric assembly. Altogether, our data give unprecedented clues to understand the structural organization of nsp3, the principal component that shapes the molecular pore that spans the DMVs and is required for the export of RNA in vivo. IMPORTANCE Membrane remodeling is at the heart of intracellular replication for single-stranded, positive-sense RNA viruses. In the case of coronaviruses, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), this leads to the formation of a network of double-membrane vesicles (DMVs). Targeting DMV biogenesis offers promising prospects for antiviral therapies. This requires a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and proteins involved. Three non-structural proteins (nsp3, nsp4, and nsp6) direct the intracellular membrane rearrangements upon SARS-CoV-2 infection. All of them contain transmembrane helices. The nsp3 component, the largest and multi-functional protein of the virus, plays an essential role in this process. Aiming to understand its structural organization, we used a cell-free protein synthesis assay to produce and reconstitute the C-terminal part of nsp3 (nsp3C) including transmembrane domains into phospholipid nanodiscs. Our work reveals the oligomeric organization of one key player in the biogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 DMVs, providing basis for the design of future antiviral strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Babot
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Yves Boulard
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Samira Agouda
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Laura Pieri
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Sonia Fieulaine
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Stéphane Bressanelli
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Virginie Gervais
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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2
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Altincekic N, Jores N, Löhr F, Richter C, Ehrhardt C, Blommers MJJ, Berg H, Öztürk S, Gande SL, Linhard V, Orts J, Abi Saad MJ, Bütikofer M, Kaderli J, Karlsson BG, Brath U, Hedenström M, Gröbner G, Sauer UH, Perrakis A, Langer J, Banci L, Cantini F, Fragai M, Grifagni D, Barthel T, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Robertson A, Bax A, Sreeramulu S, Schwalbe H. Targeting the Main Protease (M pro, nsp5) by Growth of Fragment Scaffolds Exploiting Structure-Based Methodologies. ACS Chem Biol 2024; 19:563-574. [PMID: 38232960 PMCID: PMC10877576 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.3c00720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The main protease Mpro, nsp5, of SARS-CoV-2 (SCoV2) is one of its most attractive drug targets. Here, we report primary screening data using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) of four different libraries and detailed follow-up synthesis on the promising uracil-containing fragment Z604 derived from these libraries. Z604 shows time-dependent binding. Its inhibitory effect is sensitive to reducing conditions. Starting with Z604, we synthesized and characterized 13 compounds designed by fragment growth strategies. Each compound was characterized by NMR and/or activity assays to investigate their interaction with Mpro. These investigations resulted in the four-armed compound 35b that binds directly to Mpro. 35b could be cocrystallized with Mpro revealing its noncovalent binding mode, which fills all four active site subpockets. Herein, we describe the NMR-derived fragment-to-hit pipeline and its application for the development of promising starting points for inhibitors of the main protease of SCoV2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadide Altincekic
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nathalie Jores
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frank Löhr
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute
of Biophysical Chemistry, Goethe University
Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Claus Ehrhardt
- Department
of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hannes Berg
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sare Öztürk
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Verena Linhard
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julien Orts
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie Jose Abi Saad
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Bütikofer
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Kaderli
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - B. Göran Karlsson
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
- SciLifeLab, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Brath
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, SE40530 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hedenström
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry, University
of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Gröbner
- Swedish
NMR Centre, Department of Chemistry, University
of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Uwe H. Sauer
- Protein
Production Sweden, Department of Chemistry, University of Umeå, SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anastassis Perrakis
- Oncode
Institute and Division of Biochemistry, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Julian Langer
- Max Planck Institute of
Biophysics, D-60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lucia Banci
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantini
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marco Fragai
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consorzio
Interuniversitario Risonanze Magnetiche Metalloproteine, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Deborah Grifagni
- Magnetic
Resonance Center and Department of Chemistry, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Tatjana Barthel
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular
Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Str. 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Adriaan Bax
- NIH, LCP NIDDK, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, United States
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute
for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Center
of Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, D-60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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3
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Ahuja R, Kaur A, Kumari G, Kumar A, Kumar S, Roy AK, Majumdar T. Enhanced expression and solubility of main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 from E. coli. Protein Expr Purif 2023; 211:106337. [PMID: 37453569 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2 is a essential enzyme that facilitates viral transcription and replication. Furthermore, the conservation of Mpro across different variants and its non-overlapping nature with human proteases make it an appealing target for therapeutic interventions against SARS-CoV-2. Multiple inhibitors specifically target Mpro to mitigate the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. In the current study, successful cloning and expression of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro were achieved using two E. coli hosts, namely BL21-DE3 and BL21-DE3-RIL. By optimizing the conditions for induction, the expression of Mpro in the soluble fraction of E. coli was improved. Subsequently, Mpro was purified using affinity chromatography, yielding significantly higher quantities from the BL21-DE3-RIL strain compared to the BL21-DE3 strain, with the former producing nearly twice as much as the latter. The purified Mpro was further characterized by mass spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD). Through fluorescence quenching studies, it was discovered that both GC376 and chitosan, which are inhibitors of Mpro, induced structural changes in the purified Mpro protein. This indicates that the protein retained its functional activity even after being expressed in a bacterial host. Further, FRET-based assay highlighted that the enzymatic activity of Mpro was significantly reduced in presence of both GC376 and chitosan. Consequently, the utilization of optimal conditions and the BL21-DE3-RIL bacterial host facilitates the cost-effective production of Mpro on a large scale, enabling high yields. This production approach can be applied for the screening of potent therapeutic drugs, making it a valuable resource for drug development endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Ahuja
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| | | | - Geetika Kumari
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Amit Kumar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Santosh Kumar
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Atul Kumar Roy
- National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, 110067, India
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4
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Korn SM, Dhamotharan K, Jeffries CM, Schlundt A. The preference signature of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid NTD for its 5'-genomic RNA elements. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3331. [PMID: 37286558 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a pivotal role during the viral life cycle. It is involved in RNA transcription and accounts for packaging of the large genome into virus particles. N manages the enigmatic balance of bulk RNA-coating versus precise RNA-binding to designated cis-regulatory elements. Numerous studies report the involvement of its disordered segments in non-selective RNA-recognition, but how N organizes the inevitable recognition of specific motifs remains unanswered. We here use NMR spectroscopy to systematically analyze the interactions of N's N-terminal RNA-binding domain (NTD) with individual cis RNA elements clustering in the SARS-CoV-2 regulatory 5'-genomic end. Supported by broad solution-based biophysical data, we unravel the NTD RNA-binding preferences in the natural genome context. We show that the domain's flexible regions read the intrinsic signature of preferred RNA elements for selective and stable complex formation within the large pool of available motifs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Marianne Korn
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Karthikeyan Dhamotharan
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Cy M Jeffries
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) Hamburg Site, c/o Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron, Notkestr. 85, 22607, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany.
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5
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Mishra N, Kant R, Leung DW, Gross ML, Amarasinghe GK. Biochemical and HDX Mass Spectral Characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 Protein. Biochemistry 2023; 62:1744-1754. [PMID: 37205707 PMCID: PMC10228561 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.3c00035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge in defining the pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is to better understand virally encoded multifunctional proteins and their interactions with host factors. Among the many proteins encoded by the positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome, nonstructural protein 1 (Nsp1) stands out due to its impact on several stages of the viral replication cycle. Nsp1 is the major virulence factor that inhibits mRNA translation. Nsp1 also promotes host mRNA cleavage to modulate host and viral protein expression and to suppress host immune functions. To better define how this multifunctional protein can facilitate distinct functions, we characterize SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 by using a combination of biophysical techniques, including light scattering, circular dichroism, hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), and temperature-dependent HDX-MS. Our results reveal that the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp1 N- and C-terminus are unstructured in solution, and in the absence of other proteins, the C-terminus has an increased propensity to adopt a helical conformation. In addition, our data indicate that a short helix exists near the C-terminus and adjoins the region that binds the ribosome. Together, these findings provide insights into the dynamic nature of Nsp1 that impacts its functions during infection. Furthermore, our results will inform efforts to understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and antiviral development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawneet Mishra
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology, Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Ravi Kant
- Department
of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Daisy W. Leung
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology, Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
- Department
of Medicine, Washington University School
of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Michael L. Gross
- Department
of Chemistry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Gaya K. Amarasinghe
- Department
of Pathology and Immunology, Washington
University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
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6
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Duchardt-Ferner E, Ferner J, Fürtig B, Hengesbach M, Richter C, Schlundt A, Sreeramulu S, Wacker A, Weigand JE, Wirmer-Bartoschek J, Schwalbe H. The COVID19-NMR Consortium: A Public Report on the Impact of this New Global Collaboration. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217171. [PMID: 36748955 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019 required the formation of international consortia for a coordinated scientific effort to understand and combat the virus. In this Viewpoint Article, we discuss how the NMR community has gathered to investigate the genome and proteome of SARS-CoV-2 and tested them for binding to low-molecular-weight binders. External factors including extended lockdowns due to the global pandemic character of the viral infection triggered the transition from locally focused collaborative research conducted within individual research groups to digital exchange formats for immediate discussion of unpublished results and data analysis, sample sharing, and coordinated research between more than 50 groups from 18 countries simultaneously. We discuss key lessons that might pertain after the end of the pandemic and challenges that we need to address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Duchardt-Ferner
- Institute for Biomolecular Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Jan Ferner
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Martin Hengesbach
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Biomolecular Sciences, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Anna Wacker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Julia E Weigand
- Philipps-University Marburg, Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Marbacher Weg 6, 35037, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Wirmer-Bartoschek
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438, Frankfurt/M., Germany
- Instruct-ERIC, Oxford House, Parkway Court, John Smith Drive, Oxford, OX4 2JY, UK
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7
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Wasilewicz A, Kirchweger B, Bojkova D, Abi Saad MJ, Langeder J, Bütikofer M, Adelsberger S, Grienke U, Cinatl
Jr. J, Petermann O, Scapozza L, Orts J, Kirchmair J, Rabenau HF, Rollinger JM. Identification of Natural Products Inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 by Targeting Viral Proteases: A Combined in Silico and in Vitro Approach. J Nat Prod 2023; 86:264-275. [PMID: 36651644 PMCID: PMC9885530 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.2c00843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
In this study, an integrated in silico-in vitro approach was employed to discover natural products (NPs) active against SARS-CoV-2. The two SARS-CoV-2 viral proteases, i.e., main protease (Mpro) and papain-like protease (PLpro), were selected as targets for the in silico study. Virtual hits were obtained by docking more than 140,000 NPs and NP derivatives available in-house and from commercial sources, and 38 virtual hits were experimentally validated in vitro using two enzyme-based assays. Five inhibited the enzyme activity of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro by more than 60% at a concentration of 20 μM, and four of them with high potency (IC50 < 10 μM). These hit compounds were further evaluated for their antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 cells. The results from the cell-based assay revealed three mulberry Diels-Alder-type adducts (MDAAs) from Morus alba with pronounced anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities. Sanggenons C (12), O (13), and G (15) showed IC50 values of 4.6, 8.0, and 7.6 μM and selectivity index values of 5.1, 3.1 and 6.5, respectively. The docking poses of MDAAs in SARS-CoV-2 Mpro proposed a butterfly-shaped binding conformation, which was supported by the results of saturation transfer difference NMR experiments and competitive 1H relaxation dispersion NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Wasilewicz
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin Kirchweger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Denisa Bojkova
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Marie Jose Abi Saad
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Julia Langeder
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Bütikofer
- Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology, Laboratory of Physical Chemistry, ETH Zurich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sigrid Adelsberger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Vienna
Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences, University of Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Grienke
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
Jr.
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Olivier Petermann
- Pharmaceutical
Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Scapozza
- Pharmaceutical
Biochemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Institute
of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Julien Orts
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johannes Kirchmair
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Holger F. Rabenau
- Institute
of Medical Virology, University Hospital
Frankfurt, Paul-Ehrlich-Straße
40, 60596 Frankfurt
am Main, Germany
| | - Judith M. Rollinger
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Vienna, Josef-Holaubek-Platz 2, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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8
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Li Y, Pustovalova Y, Shi W, Gorbatyuk O, Sreeramulu S, Schwalbe H, Hoch JC, Hao B. Crystal structure of the CoV-Y domain of SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 3. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2890. [PMID: 36801935 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30045-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Replication of the coronavirus genome starts with the formation of viral RNA-containing double-membrane vesicles (DMV) following viral entry into the host cell. The multi-domain nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) is the largest protein encoded by the known coronavirus genome and serves as a central component of the viral replication and transcription machinery. Previous studies demonstrated that the highly-conserved C-terminal region of nsp3 is essential for subcellular membrane rearrangement, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we report the crystal structure of the CoV-Y domain, the most C-terminal domain of the SARS-CoV-2 nsp3, at 2.4 Å-resolution. CoV-Y adopts a previously uncharacterized V-shaped fold featuring three distinct subdomains. Sequence alignment and structure prediction suggest that this fold is likely shared by the CoV-Y domains from closely related nsp3 homologs. NMR-based fragment screening combined with molecular docking identifies surface cavities in CoV-Y for interaction with potential ligands and other nsps. These studies provide the first structural view on a complete nsp3 CoV-Y domain, and the molecular framework for understanding the architecture, assembly and function of the nsp3 C-terminal domains in coronavirus replication. Our work illuminates nsp3 as a potential target for therapeutic interventions to aid in the on-going battle against the COVID-19 pandemic and diseases caused by other coronaviruses.
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9
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Duchardt‐Ferner E, Ferner J, Fürtig B, Hengesbach M, Richter C, Schlundt A, Sreeramulu S, Wacker A, Weigand JE, Wirmer‐Bartoschek J, Schwalbe H. Das COVID19‐NMR‐Konsortium: Ein öffentlicher Bericht über den Einfluss dieser neuen globalen Kollaboration. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202217171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elke Duchardt‐Ferner
- Institute for Biomolecular Sciences Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Jan Ferner
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Boris Fürtig
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Martin Hengesbach
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Institute for Biomolecular Sciences Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 9 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Anna Wacker
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Julia E. Weigand
- Philipps-University Marburg Department of Pharmacy Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry Marbacher Weg 6 35037 Marburg Deutschland
| | - Julia Wirmer‐Bartoschek
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ) Goethe-University Frankfurt Max-von-Laue-Str. 7 60438 Frankfurt/M. Deutschland
- Instruct-ERIC Oxford House, Parkway Court John Smith Drive Oxford OX4 2JY Großbritannien
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10
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Hassan SS, Kodakandla V, Redwan EM, Lundstrom K, Choudhury PP, Serrano-Aroca Á, Azad GK, Aljabali AAA, Palu G, Abd El-Aziz TM, Barh D, Uhal BD, Adadi P, Takayama K, Bazan NG, Tambuwala M, Sherchan SP, Lal A, Chauhan G, Baetas-da-Cruz W, Uversky VN. Non-uniform aspects of the SARS-CoV-2 intraspecies evolution reopen question of its origin. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 222:972-993. [PMID: 36174872 PMCID: PMC9511875 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.09.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Several hypotheses have been presented on the origin of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from its identification as the agent causing the current coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. So far, no solid evidence has been found to support any hypothesis on the origin of this virus, and the issue continue to resurface over and over again. Here we have unfolded a pattern of distribution of several mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins in 24 geo-locations across different continents. The results showed an evenly uneven distribution of the unique protein variants, distinct mutations, unique frequency of common conserved residues, and mutational residues across these 24 geo-locations. Furthermore, ample mutations were identified in the evolutionarily conserved invariant regions in the SARS-CoV-2 proteins across almost all geo-locations studied. This pattern of mutations potentially breaches the law of evolutionary conserved functional units of the beta-coronavirus genus. These mutations may lead to several novel SARS-CoV-2 variants with a high degree of transmissibility and virulence. A thorough investigation on the origin and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 needs to be conducted in the interest of science and for the preparation of meeting the challenges of potential future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur, 721140, West Bengal, India.
| | - Vaishnavi Kodakandla
- Department of Life sciences, Sophia College For Women, University of Mumbai, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai 400026, India
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg EL-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | | | - Pabitra Pal Choudhury
- Indian Statistical Institute, Applied Statistics Unit, 203 B T Road, Kolkata 700108, India
| | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigacion Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Cat'olica de Valencia San Vicente Martir, c/Guillem de Castro, 94, 46001 Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | | | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Irbid 566, Jordan.
| | - Giorgio Palu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt; Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, WB, India; Departamento de Geńetica, Ecologia e Evolucao, Instituto de Cíencias Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Bruce D Uhal
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Parise Adadi
- Department of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan.
| | - Nicolas G Bazan
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, LSU Health New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Murtaza Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Lincoln Medical School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool Campus, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK.
| | - Amos Lal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Av. Eugenio Garza Sada 2501 Sur, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| | - Wagner Baetas-da-Cruz
- Translational Laboratory in Molecular Physiology, Centre for Experimental Surgery, College of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicineand USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; Research Center for Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Age-Related Diseases, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Institutskiy pereulok, 9, Dolgoprudny 141700, Russia.
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11
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Schiavina M, Pontoriero L, Tagliaferro G, Pierattelli R, Felli IC. The Role of Disordered Regions in Orchestrating the Properties of Multidomain Proteins: The SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Its Interaction with Enoxaparin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1302. [PMID: 36139141 PMCID: PMC9496478 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel and efficient strategies need to be developed to interfere with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One of the most promising pharmaceutical targets is the nucleocapsid protein (N), responsible for genomic RNA packaging. N is composed of two folded domains and three intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs). The globular RNA binding domain (NTD) and the tethered IDRs are rich in positively charged residues. The study of the interaction of N with polyanions can thus help to elucidate one of the key driving forces responsible for its function, i.e., electrostatics. Heparin, one of the most negatively charged natural polyanions, has been used to contrast serious cases of COVID-19 infection, and we decided to study its interaction with N at the molecular level. We focused on the NTR construct, which comprises the NTD and two flanking IDRs, and on the NTD construct in isolation. We characterized this interaction using different nuclear magnetic resonance approaches and isothermal titration calorimetry. With these tools, we were able to identify an extended surface of NTD involved in the interaction. Moreover, we assessed the importance of the IDRs in increasing the affinity for heparin, highlighting how different tracts of these flexible regions modulate the interaction.
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12
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Tsika AC, Gallo A, Fourkiotis NK, Argyriou AI, Sreeramulu S, Löhr F, Rogov VV, Richter C, Linhard V, Gande SL, Altincekic N, Krishnathas R, Elamri I, Schwalbe H, Wollenhaupt J, Weiss MS, Spyroulias GA. Binding Adaptation of GS-441524 Diversifies Macro Domains and Downregulates SARS-CoV-2 de-MARylation Capacity. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167720. [PMID: 35839840 PMCID: PMC9284540 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Viral infection in cells triggers a cascade of molecular defense mechanisms to maintain host-cell homoeostasis. One of these mechanisms is ADP-ribosylation, a fundamental post-translational modification (PTM) characterized by the addition of ADP-ribose (ADPr) on substrates. Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) are implicated in this process and they perform ADP-ribosylation on host and pathogen proteins. Some viral families contain structural motifs that can reverse this PTM. These motifs known as macro domains (MDs) are evolutionarily conserved protein domains found in all kingdoms of life. They are divided in different classes with the viral belonging to Macro-D-type class because of their properties to recognize and revert the ADP-ribosylation. Viral MDs are potential pharmaceutical targets, capable to counteract host immune response. Sequence and structural homology between viral and human MDs are an impediment for the development of new active compounds against their function. Remdesivir, is a drug administrated in viral infections inhibiting viral replication through RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Herein, GS-441524, the active metabolite of the remdesivir, is tested as a hydrolase inhibitor for several viral MDs and for its binding to human homologs found in PARPs. This study presents biochemical and biophysical studies, which indicate that GS-441524 selectively modifies SARS-CoV-2 MD de-MARylation activity, while it does not interact with hPARP14 MD2 and hPARP15 MD2. The structural investigation of MD•GS-441524 complexes, using solution NMR and X-ray crystallography, discloses the impact of certain amino acids in ADPr binding cavity suggesting that F360 and its adjacent residues tune the selective binding of the inhibitor to SARS-CoV-2 MD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Gallo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece
| | | | | | - Sridhar Sreeramulu
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Frank Löhr
- Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Vladimir V. Rogov
- Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC), Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Str. 15, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Richter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Verena Linhard
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Santosh L. Gande
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nadide Altincekic
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robin Krishnathas
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Isam Elamri
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Harald Schwalbe
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University Frankfurt, Max-von-Laue-Str. 7, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany,Corresponding authors
| | - Jan Wollenhaupt
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Manfred S. Weiss
- Macromolecular Crystallography, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, Albert-Einstein-Straße 15, D-12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgios A. Spyroulias
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, GR-26504 Patras, Greece,Corresponding authors
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13
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Pontoriero L, Schiavina M, Korn SM, Schlundt A, Pierattelli R, Felli IC. NMR Reveals Specific Tracts within the Intrinsically Disordered Regions of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Involved in RNA Encountering. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12070929. [PMID: 35883485 PMCID: PMC9312987 DOI: 10.3390/biom12070929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is crucial for the highly organized packaging and transcription of the genomic RNA. Studying atomic details of the role of its intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in RNA recognition is challenging due to the absence of structure and to the repetitive nature of their primary sequence. IDRs are known to act in concert with the folded domains of N and here we use NMR spectroscopy to identify the priming events of N interacting with a regulatory SARS-CoV-2 RNA element. 13C-detected NMR experiments, acquired simultaneously to 1H detected ones, provide information on the two IDRs flanking the N-terminal RNA binding domain (NTD) within the N-terminal region of the protein (NTR, 1–248). We identify specific tracts of the IDRs that most rapidly sense and engage with RNA, and thus provide an atom-resolved picture of the interplay between the folded and disordered regions of N during RNA interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Pontoriero
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM) and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Marco Schiavina
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM) and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Sophie M. Korn
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Andreas Schlundt
- Center for Biomolecular Magnetic Resonance (BMRZ), Institute for Molecular Biosciences, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany;
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.); (I.C.F.)
| | - Roberta Pierattelli
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM) and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.); (I.C.F.)
| | - Isabella C. Felli
- Magnetic Resonance Center (CERM) and Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via L. Sacconi 6, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019 Florence, Italy; (L.P.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (R.P.); (I.C.F.)
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14
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Fernandes-Siqueira LO, Ferreira FAP, Sousa BG, Mebus-Antunes NC, Neves-Martins TC, Almeida FCL, Ferreira GC, Salmon D, Wermelinger LS, Da Poian AT. On the caveats of a multiplex test for SARS-CoV-2 to detect seroconversion after infection or vaccination. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10366. [PMID: 35725758 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14294-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in over 6 million reported deaths worldwide being one of the biggest challenges the world faces today. Here we present optimizations of all steps of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based test to detect IgG, IgA and IgM against the trimeric spike (S) protein, receptor binding domain (RBD), and N terminal domain of the nucleocapsid (N-NTD) protein of SARS-CoV-2. We discuss how to determine specific thresholds for antibody positivity and its limitations according to the antigen used. We applied the assay to a cohort of 126 individuals from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, consisting of 23 PCR-positive individuals and 103 individuals without a confirmed diagnosis for SARS-CoV-2 infection. To illustrate the differences in serological responses to vaccinal immunization, we applied the test in 18 individuals from our cohort before and after receiving ChAdOx-1 nCoV-19 or CoronaVac vaccines. Taken together, our results show that the test can be customized at different stages depending on its application, enabling the user to analyze different cohorts, saving time, reagents, or samples. It is also a valuable tool for elucidating the immunological consequences of new viral strains and monitoring vaccination coverage and duration of response to different immunization regimens.
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15
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Ramm F, Dondapati SK, Trinh HA, Wenzel D, Walter RM, Zemella A, Kubick S. The Potential of Eukaryotic Cell-Free Systems as a Rapid Response to Novel Zoonotic Pathogens: Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Proteins. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:896751. [PMID: 35519622 PMCID: PMC9061942 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.896751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to more than 445 million infections and the underlying disease, COVID-19, resulted in more than 6 million deaths worldwide. The scientific world is already predicting future zoonotic diseases. Hence, rapid response systems are needed to tackle future epidemics and pandemics. Here, we present the use of eukaryotic cell-free systems for the rapid response to novel zoonotic diseases represented by SARS-CoV-2. Non-structural, structural and accessory proteins encoded by SARS-CoV-2 were synthesized by cell-free protein synthesis in a fast and efficient manner. The inhibitory effect of the non-structural protein 1 on protein synthesis could be shown in vitro. Structural proteins were quantitatively detected by commercial antibodies, therefore facilitating cell-free systems for the validation of available antibodies. The cytotoxic envelope protein was characterized in electrophysiological planar lipid bilayer measurements. Hence, our study demonstrates the potential of eukaryotic cell-free systems as a rapid response mechanism for the synthesis, functional characterization and antibody validation against a viral pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Ramm
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Srujan K. Dondapati
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Hoai Anh Trinh
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dana Wenzel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Ruben M. Walter
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
- Department of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technical University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Zemella
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
| | - Stefan Kubick
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Branch Bioanalytics and Bioprocesses (IZI-BB), Potsdam, Germany
- Institute of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Joint Faculty of the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus–Senftenberg, The Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, The University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
- *Correspondence: Stefan Kubick,
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16
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Pustovalova Y, Gorbatyuk O, Li Y, Hao B, Hoch JC. Backbone and Ile, Leu, Val methyl group resonance assignment of CoV-Y domain of SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein 3. Biomol NMR Assign 2022; 16:57-62. [PMID: 34792756 PMCID: PMC8600339 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-021-10059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) has 1945 residues and is the largest protein encoded by SARS-CoV-2. It comprises more than a dozen independent domains with various functions. Many of these domains were studied in the closely-related virus SARS-CoV following an earlier outbreak. Nonetheless structural and functional information on the C-terminal region of nsp3 containing two transmembrane and three extra-membrane domains remains incomplete. This part of the protein appears to be involved in initiation of double membrane vesicle (DMV) formation, membranous organelles the virus builds to hide its replication-transcription complex from host immune defenses. Here we present the near-complete backbone and Ile, Leu, and Val methyl group chemical shift assignments of the most C-terminal domain of nsp3, CoV-Y. As the exact function and binding partners of CoV-Y remain unknown, our data provide a basis for future NMR studies of protein-protein interactions to elucidate the molecular mechanism of DMV formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Pustovalova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - Oksana Gorbatyuk
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Yunfeng Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Bing Hao
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA
| | - Jeffrey C Hoch
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
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17
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Caruso IP, dos Santos Almeida V, do Amaral MJ, de Andrade GC, de Araújo GR, de Araújo TS, de Azevedo JM, Barbosa GM, Bartkevihi L, Bezerra PR, dos Santos Cabral KM, de Lourenço IO, Malizia-Motta CL, de Luna Marques A, Mebus-Antunes NC, Neves-Martins TC, de Sá JM, Sanches K, Santana-Silva MC, Vasconcelos AA, da Silva Almeida M, de Amorim GC, Anobom CD, Da Poian AT, Gomes-Neto F, Pinheiro AS, Almeida FC. Insights into the specificity for the interaction of the promiscuous SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein N-terminal domain with deoxyribonucleic acids. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 203:466-480. [PMID: 35077748 PMCID: PMC8783401 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N) is a multifunctional promiscuous nucleic acid-binding protein, which plays a major role in nucleocapsid assembly and discontinuous RNA transcription, facilitating the template switch of transcriptional regulatory sequences (TRS). Here, we dissect the structural features of the N protein N-terminal domain (N-NTD) and N-NTD plus the SR-rich motif (N-NTD-SR) upon binding to single and double-stranded TRS DNA, as well as their activities for dsTRS melting and TRS-induced liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Our study gives insights on the specificity for N-NTD(-SR) interaction with TRS. We observed an approximation of the triple-thymidine (TTT) motif of the TRS to β-sheet II, giving rise to an orientation difference of ~25° between dsTRS and non-specific sequence (dsNS). It led to a local unfavorable energetic contribution that might trigger the melting activity. The thermodynamic parameters of binding of ssTRSs and dsTRS suggested that the duplex dissociation of the dsTRS in the binding cleft is entropically favorable. We showed a preference for TRS in the formation of liquid condensates when compared to NS. Moreover, our results on DNA binding may serve as a starting point for the design of inhibitors, including aptamers, against N, a possible therapeutic target essential for the virus infectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Icaro Putinhon Caruso
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil; Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Vitor dos Santos Almeida
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Juliani do Amaral
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Caldas de Andrade
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Rocha de Araújo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Talita Stelling de Araújo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Moreira de Azevedo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glauce Moreno Barbosa
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Bartkevihi
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Peter Reis Bezerra
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria dos Santos Cabral
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Isabella Otênio de Lourenço
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Clara L.F. Malizia-Motta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline de Luna Marques
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Nathane Cunha Mebus-Antunes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais Cristtina Neves-Martins
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica Maróstica de Sá
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karoline Sanches
- Multiuser Center for Biomolecular Innovation (CMIB), Department of Physics, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcos Caique Santana-Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ariana Azevedo Vasconcelos
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcius da Silva Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gisele Cardoso de Amorim
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Multidisciplinary Center for Research in Biology (NUMPEX), Campus Duque de Caxias Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Duque de Caxias, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Dinis Anobom
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Andrea T. Da Poian
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Gomes-Neto
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Laboratory of Toxinology, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Anderson S. Pinheiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C.L. Almeida
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Rio BioNMR Network, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,Correspondence to: F.C.L. Almeida, National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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18
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Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, millions of patients have been diagnosed and many of them have died from the disease worldwide. The identification of novel therapeutic targets are of utmost significance for prevention and treatment of COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is a single-stranded RNA virus with a 30 kb genome packaged into a membrane-enveloped virion, transcribing several tens of proteins. The belief that the amino acid sequence of proteins determines their 3D structure which, in turn, determines their function has been a central principle of molecular biology for a long time. Recently, it has been increasingly realized, however, that there is a large group of proteins that lack a fixed or ordered 3D structure, yet they exhibit important biological activities─so-called intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs/IDRs). Disordered regions in viral proteins are generally associated with viral infectivity and pathogenicity because they endow the viral proteins the ability to easily and promiscuously bind to host proteins; therefore, the proteome of SARS-CoV-2 has been thoroughly examined for intrinsic disorder. It has been recognized that, in fact, the SARS-CoV-2 proteome exhibits significant levels of structural order, with only the nucleocapsid (N) structural protein and two of the nonstructural proteins being highly disordered. The spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2 exhibits significant levels of structural order, yet its predicted percentage of intrinsic disorder is still higher than that of the spike protein of SARS-CoV. Noteworthy, however, even though IDPs/IDRs are not common in the SARS-CoV-2 proteome, the existing ones play major roles in the functioning and virulence of the virus and are thus promising drug targets for rational antiviral drug design. Presented here is a COVID-19 perspective on the intrinsically disordered proteins, summarizing recent results on the SARS-CoV-2 proteome disorder features, their physiological and pathological relevance, and their prominence as prospective drug target sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society,
Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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19
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Hassan SS, Lundstrom K, Serrano-Aroca Á, Adadi P, Aljabali AAA, Redwan EM, Lal A, Kandimalla R, El-Aziz TMA, Pal Choudhury P, Azad GK, Sherchan SP, Chauhan G, Tambuwala M, Takayama K, Barh D, Palu G, Basu P, Uversky VN. Emergence of unique SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants and their impact on protein structure and function. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 194:128-143. [PMID: 34863825 PMCID: PMC8635690 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The devastating impact of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on public health, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made targeting the COVID-19 pandemic a top priority in medical research and pharmaceutical development. Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 mutations is essential for the comprehension of SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity and their impact on virulence and pathogenicity. The SARS-CoV-2 open reading frame 10 (ORF10) protein interacts with multiple human proteins CUL2, ELOB, ELOC, MAP7D1, PPT1, RBX1, THTPA, TIMM8B, and ZYG11B expressed in lung tissue. Mutations and co-occurring mutations in the emerging SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants are expected to impact the severity of the virus and its associated consequences. In this article, we highlight 128 single mutations and 35 co-occurring mutations in the unique SARS-CoV-2 ORF10 variants. The possible predicted effects of these mutations and co-occurring mutations on the secondary structure of ORF10 variants and host protein interactomes are presented. The findings highlight the possible effects of mutations and co-occurring mutations on the emerging 140 ORF10 unique variants from secondary structure and intrinsic protein disorder perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal, India.
| | | | - Ángel Serrano-Aroca
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering Lab, Centro de Investigacion Traslacional San Alberto Magno, Universidad Catolica de Valencia San Vicente Martir, c/Guillem de Castro, 94, 46001 Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Parise Adadi
- Department of Food Science, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Irbid 566, Jordan.
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, New Borg EL-Arab 21934, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Amos Lal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad 500007, Telangana, India; Department of Biocemistry, Kakatiya Medical College, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Tarek Mohamed Abd El-Aziz
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA; Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El-Minia 61519, Egypt.
| | - Pabitra Pal Choudhury
- Indian Statistical Institute, Applied Statistics Unit, 203 B T Road, Kolkata 700108, India.
| | | | - Samendra P Sherchan
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Gaurav Chauhan
- School of Engineering and Sciences, Tecnologico de Monterrey, 64849 Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
| | - Murtaza Tambuwala
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
| | - Kazuo Takayama
- Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, Kyoto 6068507, Japan.
| | - Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur 721172, West Bengal, India; Department of Genetics, Ecology and Evolution, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
| | - Giorgio Palu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
| | - Pallab Basu
- School of Physics, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Braamfontein 2000, 721140, South Africa.
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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20
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Mompeán M, Treviño MÁ, Laurents DV. Partial structure, dampened mobility, and modest impact of a His tag in the SARS-CoV-2 Nsp2 C-terminal region. Eur Biophys J 2021; 50:1129-1137. [PMID: 34633480 PMCID: PMC8503394 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-021-01575-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) play essential roles in regulating physiological processes in eukaryotic cells. Many viruses use their own IDPs to "hack" these processes to deactivate host defenses and promote viral growth. Thus, viral IDPs are attractive drug targets. While IDPs are hard to study by X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM, atomic level information on their conformational preferences and dynamics can be obtained using NMR spectroscopy. SARS-CoV-2 Nsp2, whose C-terminal region (CtR) is predicted to be disordered, interacts with human proteins that regulate translation initiation and endosome vesicle sorting. Molecules that block these interactions could be valuable leads for drug development. The 13Cβ and backbone 13CO, 1HN, 13Cα, and 15N nuclei of Nsp2's 45-residue CtR were assigned and used to characterize its structure and dynamics in three contexts; namely: (1) retaining an N-terminal His tag, (2) without the His tag and with an adventitious internal cleavage, and (3) lacking both the His tag and the internal cleavage. Two five-residue segments adopting a minor extended population were identified. Overall, the dynamic behavior is midway between a completely rigid and a fully flexible chain. Whereas the presence of an N-terminal His tag and internal cleavage stiffen and loosen, respectively, neighboring residues, they do not affect the tendency of two regions to populate extended conformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Mompeán
- "Rocasolano" Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Á Treviño
- "Rocasolano" Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain
| | - Douglas V Laurents
- "Rocasolano" Institute for Physical Chemistry, Spanish National Research Council, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Robertson AJ, Courtney JM, Shen Y, Ying J, Bax A. Concordance of X-ray and AlphaFold2 Models of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease with Residual Dipolar Couplings Measured in Solution. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:19306-19310. [PMID: 34757725 PMCID: PMC8592127 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c10588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
![]()
The
68-kDa homodimeric 3C-like protease of SARS-CoV-2, Mpro (3CLpro/Nsp5), is a promising antiviral drug target. We evaluate
the concordance of models generated by the newly introduced AlphaFold2
structure prediction program with residual dipolar couplings (RDCs)
measured in solution for 15N–1HN and 13C′–1HN atom
pairs. The latter were measured using a new, highly precise TROSY-AntiTROSY
Encoded RDC (TATER) experiment. Three sets of AlphaFold2 models were
evaluated: (1) MproAF, generated using the standard
AlphaFold2 input structural database; (2) MproAFD, where the AlphaFold2 implementation was modified to exclude all
candidate template X-ray structures deposited after Jan 1, 2020; and
(3) MproAFS, which excluded all structures homologous
to coronaviral Mpro. Close agreement between all three
sets of AlphaFold models and experimental RDC data is found for most
of the protein. For residues in well-defined secondary structure,
the agreement decreases somewhat upon Amber relaxation. For these
regions, MproAF agreement exceeds that of most
high-resolution X-ray structures. Residues from domain 2 that comprise
elements of both the active site and the homo-dimerization interface
fit less well across all structures. These results indicate novel
opportunities for combining experimentation with molecular dynamics
simulations, where solution RDCs provide highly precise input for
QM/MM simulations of substrate binding/reaction trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus J Robertson
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
| | - Joseph M Courtney
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
| | - Yang Shen
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
| | - Jinfa Ying
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
| | - Ad Bax
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, NIDDK, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-0520, United States
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22
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de Araujo TS, Barbosa GM, Sanches K, Azevedo JM, Dos Santos Cabral KM, Almeida MS, Almeida FCL. The 1H, 15N, and 13C resonance assignments of the N-terminal domain of the nucleocapsid protein from the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Biomol NMR Assign 2021; 15:341-345. [PMID: 33914244 PMCID: PMC8082218 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-021-10027-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
During the past 17 years, the coronaviruses have become a global public emergency, with the first appearance in 2012 in Saudi Arabia of the Middle East respiratory syndrome. Among the structural proteins encoded in the viral genome, the nucleocapsid protein is the most abundant in infected cells. It is a multifunctional phosphoprotein involved in the capsid formation, in the modulation and regulation of the viral life cycle. The N-terminal domain of N protein specifically interacts with transcriptional regulatory sequence (TRS) and is involved in the discontinuous transcription through the melting activity of double-stranded TRS (dsTRS).
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Affiliation(s)
- Talita Stelling de Araujo
- Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Glauce Moreno Barbosa
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karoline Sanches
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jéssica M Azevedo
- Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Katia Maria Dos Santos Cabral
- Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcius S Almeida
- Protein Advanced Biochemistry (PAB), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-National Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), Institute of Medical Biochemistry (IBqM)-Center for Structural Biology and Bioimaging (CENABIO), Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
- Rio BioNMR Network (RMNRio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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23
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Hassan A, Sedenho GC, Vitale PAM, Oliviera MN, Crespilho FN. On the Weak Binding and Spectroscopic Signature of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 Interaction with RNA. Chembiochem 2021; 22:3410-3413. [PMID: 34542936 PMCID: PMC8653059 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The SARS‐CoV‐2 non‐structural protein 14 (nsp14), known as exoribonuclease is encoded from the large polyprotein of viral genome and is a major constituent of the transcription replication complex (TRC) machinery of the viral RNA synthesis. This protein is highly conserved among the coronaviruses and is a potential target for the development of a therapeutic drug. Here, we report the SARS‐CoV‐2 nsp14 expression, show its structural characterization, and ss‐RNA exonuclease activity through vibrational and electronic spectroscopies. The deconvolution of amide‐I band in the FTIR spectrum of the protein revealed a composition of 35 % α‐helix and 25 % β‐sheets. The binding between protein and RNA is evidenced from the spectral changes in the amide‐I region of the nsp14, showing protein conformational changes during the binding process. A value of 20.60±3.81 mol L−1 of the binding constant (KD) is obtained for nsp14/RNA complex. The findings reported here can motivate further studies to develop structural models for better understanding the mechanism of exonuclease enzymes for correcting the viral genome and can help in the development of drugs against SARS‐CoV‐2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayaz Hassan
- Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense, 400 - Parque Arnold Schimidt, São Carlos, SP, 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Graziela C Sedenho
- Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense, 400 - Parque Arnold Schimidt, São Carlos, SP, 13566-590, Brazil
| | - Phelipe A M Vitale
- Biolinker, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, Cietec - Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mona N Oliviera
- Biolinker, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, Cietec - Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Frank N Crespilho
- Department of Physical Chemistry, São Carlos Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador São Carlense, 400 - Parque Arnold Schimidt, São Carlos, SP, 13566-590, Brazil
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24
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Bobiļeva O, Bobrovs R, Kaņepe I, Patetko L, Kalniņš G, Šišovs M, Bula AL, Gri̅nberga S, Borodušķis M, Ramata-Stunda A, Rostoks N, Jirgensons A, Ta̅rs K, Jaudzems K. Potent SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Cap Methyltransferase Inhibitors by Bioisosteric Replacement of Methionine in SAM Cosubstrate. ACS Med Chem Lett 2021; 12:1102-1107. [PMID: 34257831 PMCID: PMC8204913 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.1c00140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral mRNA cap methyltransferases (MTases) are emerging targets for the development of broad-spectrum antiviral agents. In this work, we designed potential SARS-CoV-2 MTase Nsp14 and Nsp16 inhibitors by using bioisosteric substitution of the sulfonium and amino acid substructures of the cosubstrate S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which serves as the methyl donor in the enzymatic reaction. The synthetically accessible target structures were prioritized using molecular docking. Testing of the inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds showed nanomolar to submicromolar IC50 values for five compounds. To evaluate selectivity, enzymatic inhibition of the human glycine N-methyltransferase involved in cellular SAM/SAH ratio regulation was also determined, which indicated that the discovered compounds are nonselective inhibitors of the studied MTases with slight selectivity for Nsp16. No cytotoxic effects were observed; however, this is most likely a result of the poor cell permeability of all evaluated compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Bobiļeva
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Raitis Bobrovs
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Iveta Kaņepe
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Liene Patetko
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Gints Kalniņš
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Mihails Šišovs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Anna L. Bula
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Solveiga Gri̅nberga
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | | | | | - Nils Rostoks
- University of Latvia, Jelgavas 1, Riga LV-1004, Latvia
| | - Aigars Jirgensons
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
| | - Kaspars Ta̅rs
- Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre, Ratsupites 1 k1, Riga LV-1067, Latvia
| | - Kristaps Jaudzems
- Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Aizkraukles 21, Riga LV-1006, Latvia
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