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Lin CH, Chang HJ, Lin MW, Yang XR, Lee CH, Lin CS. Inhibitory Efficacy of Main Components of Scutellaria baicalensis on the Interaction between Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 and Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme II. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2935. [PMID: 38474182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052935] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Blocking the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the human angiotensin-converting enzyme II (hACE2) protein serves as a therapeutic strategy for treating COVID-19. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments containing bioactive products could alleviate the symptoms of severe COVID-19. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has complicated the process of developing broad-spectrum drugs. As such, the aim of this study was to explore the efficacy of TCM treatments against SARS-CoV-2 variants through targeting the interaction of the viral spike protein with the hACE2 receptor. Antiviral activity was systematically evaluated using a pseudovirus system. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) was found to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as it mediated the interaction between the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein. Moreover, the active molecules of S. baicalensis were identified and analyzed. Baicalein and baicalin, a flavone and a flavone glycoside found in S. baicalensis, respectively, exhibited strong inhibitory activities targeting the viral spike protein and the hACE2 protein, respectively. Under optimized conditions, virus infection was inhibited by 98% via baicalein-treated pseudovirus and baicalin-treated hACE2. In summary, we identified the potential SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors from S. baicalensis that mediate the interaction between the Omicron spike protein and the hACE2 receptor. Future studies on the therapeutic application of baicalein and baicalin against SARS-CoV-2 variants are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Han Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Ju Chang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Wei Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Xin-Rui Yang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
| | - Che-Hsiung Lee
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Sheng Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices (IDS2B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30068, Taiwan
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Holmes D, Colaneri M, Palomba E, Gori A. Exploring post-SEPSIS and post-COVID-19 syndromes: crossovers from pathophysiology to therapeutic approach. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1280951. [PMID: 38249978 PMCID: PMC10797045 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1280951] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis, driven by several infections, including COVID-19, can lead to post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Both these conditions share clinical and pathophysiological similarities, as survivors face persistent multi-organ dysfunctions, including respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, and neurological issues. Moreover, dysregulated immune responses, immunosuppression, and hyperinflammation contribute to these conditions. The lack of clear definitions and diagnostic criteria hampers comprehensive treatment strategies, and a unified therapeutic approach is significantly needed. One potential target might be the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which plays a significant role in immune modulation. In fact, RAS imbalance can exacerbate these responses. Potential interventions involving RAS include ACE inhibitors, ACE receptor blockers, and recombinant human ACE2 (rhACE2). To address the complexities of PSS and PASC, a multifaceted approach is required, considering shared immunological mechanisms and the role of RAS. Standardization, research funding, and clinical trials are essential for advancing treatment strategies for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darcy Holmes
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Colaneri
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Palomba
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Luigi Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Kumar V, Meidinna HN, Kaul SC, Gupta D, Ishida Y, Terao K, Vrati S, Sundar D, Wadhwa R. Molecular insights to the anti-COVID-19 potential of α-, β- and γ-cyclodextrins. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 38116950 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2294385] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is regulated by the host cell receptors ACE2 and TMPRSS2, and therefore the effect of various natural and synthetic compounds on these receptors has recently been the subject of investigations. Cyclodextrins, naturally occurring polysaccharides derived from starch, are soluble in water and have a hydrophobic cavity at their center enabling them to accommodate small molecules and utilize them as carriers in the food, supplements, and pharmaceutical industries to improve the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of target compounds. In the current study, computational molecular simulations were used to investigate the ability of α-, β- and γ-Cyclodextrins on human cell surface receptors. Cell-based experimental approaches, including expression analyses at mRNA and protein levels and virus replication, were used to assess the effect on receptor expression and virus infection, respectively. We found that none of the three CDs could dock effectively to human cell surface receptor ACE2 and viral protease Mpro (essential for virus replication). On the other hand, α- and β-CD showed strong and stable interactions with TMPRSS2, and the expression of both ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in cyclodextrin (CD)-treated cells. A cell-based virus replication assay showed ∼20% inhibition by β- and γ-CD. Taken together, the study suggested that (i) downregulation of expression of host cell receptors may not be sufficient to inhibit virus infection (ii) activity of the receptors and virus protein Mpro may play a critical and clinically relevant role, and hence (iii) newly emerging anti-Covid-19 compounds warrant multimodal functional analyses.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vipul Kumar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Hazna Noor Meidinna
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Sunil C Kaul
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
| | | | | | - Keiji Terao
- CycloChem Bio Co., Ltd, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
| | | | - Durai Sundar
- DAILAB, Department of Biochemical Engineering & Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Renu Wadhwa
- AIST-INDIA DAILAB, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), Tsukuba, Japan
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Watanabe K, Fujii H, Okamoto K, Kono K, Goto S, Nishi S. Exploring the implications of blocking renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and fibroblast growth factor 23 in early left ventricular hypertrophy without chronic kidney disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1276664. [PMID: 38174329 PMCID: PMC10762797 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1276664] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Whether fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) directly induces left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) remains controversial. Recent studies showed an association between FGF23 and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The aim of this study was to investigate changes in FGF23 levels and RAAS parameters and their influences on LVH. Methods In the first experiment, male C57BL/6J mice were divided into sham and transverse aortic constriction (TAC) groups. The TAC group underwent TAC at 8 weeks of age. At 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after TAC, the mice were sacrificed, and blood and urine samples were obtained. Cardiac expressions of FGF23 and RAAS-related factors were evaluated, and cardiac histological analyses were performed. In the second experiment, the sham and TAC groups were treated with vehicle, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, or FGF receptor 4 (FGFR4) inhibitor and then evaluated in the same way as in the first experiment. Results In the early stage of LVH without chronic kidney disease, serum FGF23 levels did not change but cardiac FGF23 expression significantly increased along with LVH progression. Moreover, serum aldosterone and cardiac ACE levels were significantly elevated, and cardiac ACE2 levels were significantly decreased. ACE inhibitor did not change serum FGF23 levels but significantly decreased cardiac FGF23 levels with improvements in LVH and RAAS-related factors, while FGFR4 inhibitor did not change the values. Conclusions Not serum FGF23 but cardiac FGF23 levels and RAAS parameters significantly changed in the early stage of LVH without chronic kidney disease. RAAS blockade might be more crucial than FGF23 blockade for preventing LVH progression in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Division of Nephrology and Kidney Center, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
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Fujishima H, Yazu H, Shimizu E, Okada N, Fukagawa K. Eye Washing Downregulated Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 in Conjunctival Tissue Samples from Smokers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17526. [PMID: 38139354 PMCID: PMC10743887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417526] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to (1) determine whether the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 is increased in tobacco smokers, which potentially increases their susceptibility to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and (2) assess whether eye rinsing can reduce susceptibility. This prospective study included 20 eyes of 10 smokers and 18 eyes of nine healthy non-smokers (control) for reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. This study also included 28 eyes of 14 smokers and 16 eyes of eight healthy non-smokers (control) for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Tear and impression cytology samples were collected from the right eye of each patient. The left eye was then rinsed for 30 s, and after 5 min, the tear and impression cytology samples were collected in the same manner. The expression of the ACE2 gene was significantly higher in the conjunctiva of smokers (n = 17; median 3.07 copies/ng of total RNA) than in those of non-smokers (n = 17; median 1.92 copies/ng of total RNA, p = 0.003). Further, mRNA expression and protein levels of ACE2 were weakly correlated in smokers (r = 0.49). ACE2 protein levels in Schirmer's strip samples were significantly reduced from 5051 to 3202 pg/mL after eye washing (n = 10; p = 0.001). Ocular surface cells are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Smoking may be a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and eye rinsing may reduce the risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fujishima
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Hiroyuki Yazu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Eisuke Shimizu
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
| | - Naoko Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine, Yokohama 230-8501, Japan; (H.Y.); (N.O.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical Hospital, Saitama 362-0806, Japan
| | - Kazumi Fukagawa
- Keio Allergy Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan; (E.S.); (K.F.)
- Ryogoku Eye Clinic, Tokyo 130-0026, Japan
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Yao Y, Whent M, Li Y, Liu Z, Pehrsson P, Sun J, Chen P, Huang D, Wang TTY, Wu X, Yu L. Chemical Composition of Thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) Extracts, Potential Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-ACE2 Binding and ACE2 Activity, and Radical Scavenging Capacity. J Agric Food Chem 2023; 71:19523-19530. [PMID: 38039415 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c05432] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Water and ethanol extracts of dried thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were analyzed for chemical composition, inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein-ACE2 interaction, inhibition of ACE2 activity, and free radical scavenging capacity. Thirty-two compounds were identified in water extract (WE) and 27 were identified in ethanol extract (EE) of thyme through HPLC-MS. The WE (33.3 mg/mL) and EE (3.3 mg/mL) of thyme inhibited the spike protein-ACE2 interaction by 82.6 and 86.4%, respectively. The thyme WE at 5 mg/mL inhibited ACE2 activity by 99%, and the EE at 5 mg/mL inhibited ACE2 by 65.8%. Total phenolics were determined to be 38.9 and 8.8 mg of GAE/g in WE and EE, respectively. The HO• scavenging capacities were 1121.1 and 284.4 μmol of TE/g in WE and EE, respectively. The relative DPPH• scavenging capacities were 126.3 μmol TE/g in WE and 28.2 μmol TE/g in EE. The ABTS•+ scavenging capacities were 267.1 μmol TE/g in WE and 96.7 μmol TE/g in EE. The results suggested that the thyme extract could be potentially used to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and mitigate the complications from the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhang Yao
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Monica Whent
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Yanfang Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Pamela Pehrsson
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Jianghao Sun
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Pei Chen
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Dejian Huang
- Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, 2 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Thomas T Y Wang
- Diet, Genomics and Immunology Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Xianli Wu
- Methods and Application of Food Composition Laboratory, Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, United States
| | - Liangli Yu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Yousefbeigi S, Marsusi F. Structural insights into ACE2 interactions and immune activation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants: an in-silico study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-14. [PMID: 37982275 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2283158] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The initial interaction between COVID-19 and the human body involves the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Likewise, the spike protein can engage with immune-related proteins, such as toll-like receptors (TLRs) and pulmonary surfactant proteins A (SP-A) and D (SP-D), thereby triggering immune responses. In this study, we utilize computational methods to investigate the interactions between the spike protein and TLRs (specifically TLR2 and TLR4), as well as (SP-A) and (SP-D). The study is conducted on four variants of concern (VOC) to differentiate and identify common virus behaviours. An assessment of the structural stability of various variants indicates slight changes attributed to mutations, yet overall structural integrity remains preserved. Our findings reveal the spike protein's ability to bind with TLR4 and TLR2, prompting immune activation. In addition, our in-silico results reveal almost similar docking scores and therefore affinity for both ACE2-spike and TLR4-spike complexes. We demonstrate that even minor changes due to mutations in all variants, surfactant A and D proteins can function as inhibitors against the spike in all variants, hindering the ACE2-RBD interaction.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Yousefbeigi
- Department of Physics and Energy Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farah Marsusi
- Department of Physics and Energy Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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Mughis H, Lye P, Matthews SG, Bloise E. Hypoxia modifies levels of the SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, and furin in fetal human brain endothelial cells. Am J Obstet Gynecol MFM 2023; 5:101126. [PMID: 37562534 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajogmf.2023.101126] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is not known whether human fetal brain endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin, which are SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins. Moreover, it is unclear whether hypoxia, commonly observed during severe maternal COVID-19, can modify their level of expression. We hypothesized that human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early- and midpregnancy brain microvessels express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin. Furthermore, we hypothesized that hypoxia modifies their expression levels in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether early- and midpregnancy human fetal brain endothelial cells express angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin SARS-CoV-2-associated cell entry proteins and to determine the effects of hypoxia on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin expression levels in human fetal brain endothelial cells. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective study where human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early-pregnancy (12.4±0.7 weeks of gestation) and midpregnancy (17.9±0.5 weeks of gestation) fetal brain microvessels (6 per group) were exposed to different oxygen tensions (20%, 5%, and 1% oxygen) for 6, 24, and 48 hours. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin messenger RNA and protein levels and localization were assessed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot testing, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and furin co-localize with the endothelial cell marker von Willebrand factor in human fetal brain endothelial cells isolated from early pregnancy and midpregnancy. In early pregnancy, TMPRSS2 messenger RNA expression was decreased by 5% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 6 hours of exposure (P<.05). In midpregnancy, 5% oxygen down-regulated ACE2 messenger RNA compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). Furin messenger RNA expression was decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen (P<.05) after 24 hours. In midpregnancy, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels were decreased under 5% and 1% oxygen (P<.001) after 24 hours. In contrast, furin protein levels were increased under 1% oxygen compared with 20% oxygen after 24 hours (P<.05). At 48 hours, 1% oxygen increased angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 protein levels compared with 20% oxygen (P<.01). CONCLUSION Hypoxia modifies the expression of selected SARS-CoV-2 cell entry proteins in human fetal brain endothelial cells in a gestational age- and time-of-exposure-dependent manner. As severe COVID-19 may lead to maternal hypoxia, an altered expression of these proteins in the developing human blood-brain barrier could potentially lead to altered SARS-CoV-2 brain invasion and neurologic sequelae in neonates born to pregnancies complicated by SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafsah Mughis
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Phetcharawan Lye
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews)
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Mses Mughis and Lye and Dr Matthews); Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Dr Matthews)
| | - Enrrico Bloise
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil (Dr Bloise).
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Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is not only the viral receptor for the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but is also classically known as a key carboxypeptidase, which through multiple interacting partners plays vital physiological roles in the heart, kidney, lung, and gastrointestinal tract. An accumulating body of evidence has implicated the dysregulation of ACE2 abundance and activity in the pathophysiology of multiple disease states. ACE2 has recently regained attention due to its evolving role in driving the susceptibility and disease severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This narrative review outlines the current knowledge of the structure and tissue distribution of ACE2, its role in mediating SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry, its interacting partners, and functions. It also highlights how SARS-CoV-2-mediated dysregulation of membrane-bound and circulating soluble ACE2 during infection plays an important role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We explore contemporary evidence for the dysregulation of ACE2 in populations that have emerged as most vulnerable to COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, including the elderly, men, and pregnant women, and draw attention to ACE2 dynamics and discrepancies across the mRNA, protein (membrane-bound and circulating), and activity levels. This review highlights the need for improved understanding of the basic biology of ACE2 in populations vulnerable to COVID-19 to best ensure their clinical management and the appropriate prescription of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty G Pringle
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Mothers and Babies Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lisa K Philp
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health & School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ferreira-Duarte M, Oliveira LCG, Quintas C, Esteves-Monteiro M, Duarte-Araújo M, Sousa T, Casarini DE, Morato M. ACE and ACE2 catalytic activity in the fecal content along the gut. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2023; 35:e14598. [PMID: 37052403 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14598] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 are two major enzymes of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which control the formation/degradation of angiotensin (Ang) II and Ang1-7, regulating their opposite effects. We aimed at evaluating the catalytic activity of ACE and ACE2 in the intestinal content and corresponding intestinal tissue along the gut of Wistar Han rats. METHODS Portions of the ileum, cecum, proximal colon, and distal colon, and the corresponding intestinal content were collected from Wistar Han rats. Enzyme activity was evaluated by fluorometric assays using different substrates: Hippuryl-His-Leu for ACE-C-domain, Z-Phe-His-Leu for ACE-N-domain, and Mca-APK(Dnp) for ACE2. ACE and ACE2 concentration was assessed by ELISA. Ratios concerning concentrations and activities were calculated to evaluate the balance of the RAAS. Statistical analysis was performed using Friedman test followed by Dunn's multiple comparisons test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs test whenever needed. KEY RESULTS ACE and ACE2 are catalytically active in the intestinal content along the rat gut. The ACE N-domain shows higher activity than the C-domain both in the intestinal content and in the intestinal tissue. ACE and ACE2 are globally more active in the intestinal content than in the corresponding intestinal tissue. There was a distal-to-proximal prevalence of ACE2 over ACE in the intestinal tissue. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES This work is the first to report the presence of catalytically active ACE and ACE2 in the rat intestinal content, supporting future research on the regulatory role of the intestinal RAAS on gut function and a putative link to the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Ferreira-Duarte
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Clara Quintas
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Marisa Esteves-Monteiro
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Margarida Duarte-Araújo
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Sousa
- Department of Biomedicine-Unit of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto (FMUP), Porto, Portugal, & Centro de Investigação Farmacológica e Inovação Medicamentosa, University of Porto (MedInUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Dulce Elena Casarini
- Department of Medicine, Discipline Nephrology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Manuela Morato
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy of the University of Porto (FFUP), Porto, Portugal
- LAQV@REQUIMTE, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Emslander Q, Krey K, Hamad S, Maidl S, Oubraham L, Hesse J, Henrici A, Austen K, Mergner J, Grass V, Pichlmair A. MDM2 Influences ACE2 Stability and SARS-CoV-2 Uptake. Viruses 2023; 15:1763. [PMID: 37632105 PMCID: PMC10459000 DOI: 10.3390/v15081763] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the central entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. However, surprisingly little is known about the effects of host regulators on ACE2 localization, expression, and the associated influence on SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here we identify that ACE2 expression levels are regulated by the E3 ligase MDM2 and that MDM2 levels indirectly influence infection with SARS-CoV-2. Genetic depletion of MDM2 elevated ACE2 expression levels, which strongly promoted infection with all SARS-CoV-2 isolates tested. SARS-CoV-2 spike-pseudotyped viruses and the uptake of non-replication-competent virus-like particles showed that MDM2 affects the viral uptake process. MDM2 ubiquitinates Lysine 788 of ACE2 to induce proteasomal degradation, and degradation of this residue led to higher ACE2 expression levels and superior virus particle uptake. Our study illustrates that cellular regulators of ACE2 stability, such as MDM2, play an important role in defining the infection capabilities of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirin Emslander
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Karsten Krey
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Sabri Hamad
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Susanne Maidl
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Lila Oubraham
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Joshua Hesse
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Alexander Henrici
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Katharina Austen
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Julia Mergner
- BayBioMS@MRI—Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Vincent Grass
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich (TUM), 81675 Munich, Germany (S.H.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center of Immunology of Viral Infection (CiViA), Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark
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12
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Debnath U, Mitra A, Dewaker V, Prabhakar YS, Tadala R, Krishnan K, Wagh P, Velusamy U, Baliyan A, Kurpad AV, Bhattacharyya P, Mandal AK. Conformational perturbation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using N-acetyl cysteine: an exploration of probable mechanism of action to combat COVID-19. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-11. [PMID: 37477247 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2234031] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
The infection caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) resulted in a pandemic with huge death toll and economic consequences. The virus attaches itself to the human epithelial cells through noncovalent bonding of its spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor on the host cell. Based on in silico studies we hypothesized that perturbing the functionally active conformation of spike protein through the reduction of its solvent accessible disulfide bonds, thereby disintegrating its structural architecture, may be a feasible strategy to prevent infection by reducing the binding affinity towards ACE2 enzyme. Proteomics data showed that N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), an antioxidant and mucolytic agent been widely in use in clinical medicine, forms covalent conjugates with solvent accessible cysteine residues of spike protein that were disulfide bonded in the native state. Further, in silico analysis indicated that the presence of the selective covalent conjugation of NAC with Cys525 perturbed the stereo specific orientations of the interacting key residues of spike protein that resulted in threefold weakening in the binding affinity of spike protein with ACE2 receptor. Interestingly, almost all SARS-CoV-2 variants conserved cystine residues in the spike protein. Our finding results possibly provides a molecular basis for identifying NAC and/or its analogues for targeting Cys-525 of the viral spike protein as fusion inhibitor and exploring in vivo pharmaco-preventive and its therapeutic potential activity for COVID-19 disease. However, in-vitro assay and animal model-based experiment are required to validate the probable mechanism of action.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Utsab Debnath
- School of Health Science and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, India
| | - Amrita Mitra
- Clinical Proteomics Unit, Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
| | - Varun Dewaker
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Yenamandra S Prabhakar
- Medicinal and Process Chemistry Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Raghu Tadala
- Waters India Private Limited No. 36A, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Padmakar Wagh
- Waters India Private Limited No. 36A, Bengaluru, India
| | | | - Aastha Baliyan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, India
| | - Anura V Kurpad
- Department of Physiology, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, India
| | | | - Amit Kumar Mandal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, India
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13
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Al-Kuraishy HM, Hussien NR, Al-Niemi MS, Fahad EH, Al-Buhadily AK, Al-Gareeb AI, Al-Hamash SM, Tsagkaris C, Papadakis M, Alexiou A, Batiha GES. SARS-CoV-2 induced HDL dysfunction may affect the host's response to and recovery from COVID-19. Immun Inflamm Dis 2023; 11:e861. [PMID: 37249296 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia, dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Furthermore, SARS-Co-2 infection is associated with noteworthy changes in lipid profile, which is suggested as a possible biomarker to support the diagnosis and management of Covid-19. METHODS This paper adopts the literature review method to obtain information about how Covid-19 affects high-risk group patients and may cause severe and critical effects due to the development of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A narrative and comprehensive review is presented. RESULTS Reducing HDL in Covid-19 is connected to the disease severity and poor clinical outcomes, suggesting that high HDL serum levels could benefit Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 binds HDL, and this complex is attached to the co-localized receptors, facilitating viral entry. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection may induce the development of dysfunctional HDL through different mechanisms, including induction of inflammatory and oxidative stress with activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. In turn, the induction of dysfunctional HDL induces the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways and oxidative stress, increasing Covid-19 severity. CONCLUSIONS Covid-19 is linked with the development of cardio-metabolic disorders, including dyslipidemia in general and dysregulation of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein. Therefore, the present study aimed to overview the causal relationship between dysfunctional high-density lipoprotein and Covid-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayder M Al-Kuraishy
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Medicine College of Medicine Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Nawar R Hussien
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Bagdad, Iraq
| | - Marwa S Al-Niemi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Al-Farahidi University, Bagdad, Iraq
| | - Esraa H Fahad
- Faculty of pharmacy, The University of Mashreq, Bagdad, Iraq
| | - Ali K Al-Buhadily
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medicine and Therapeutic, Medical Faculty, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Ali I Al-Gareeb
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, Medicine College of Medicine Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | | | - Christos Tsagkaris
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marios Papadakis
- Department of Surgery II, University Hospital Witten-Herdecke, University of Witten-Herdecke, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Athanasios Alexiou
- Department of Science and Engineering, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, New South Wales, Australia
- AFNP Med Austria, Wien, Austria
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, AlBeheira, Egypt
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14
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Mohammad A, Abubaker J, Al-Mulla F. South African (501Y.V2) and the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) Protein Variants Demonstrate a Higher Binding Affinity to ACE2. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen 2023; 26:589-594. [PMID: 35674297 DOI: 10.2174/1386207325666220607145225] [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: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects the lower respiratory tract by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) via its S-protein. Recent emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants from the United Kingdom (B.1.1.7) and South Africa (501Y.V2) are spreading worldwide at an alarming rate. The new variants have manifested amino acid substitution K417N, E484K, and N501Y on the RBD domain that binds to ACE2. These mutations may influence the binding of the S-protein to ACE2 and affect viral entry into the host cell. METHODS In this study, we modelled the amino acid substitutions on the S-protein and utilised the HADDOCK server to assess the S-protein RBD domain binding with ACE2. Additionally, we calculated the binding affinity of ACE2 to S-protein WT, B.1.1.7 and 501Y.V2 variants using Molecular Mechanics-Generalized Born Surface Area (MM/GBSA). RESULTS We demonstrated that the S-protein of both variants possesses a higher binding affinity to ACE2 than WT, with the South African 501Y.V2 being more infective than the B.1.1.7 that originated in the United Kingdom. CONCLUSION The South African 501Y.V2 variant presents three amino acid substitutions that changed the H-bonding network, resulting in a higher affinity to ACE2, indicating that the 501Y.V2 strain is more infective than the B.1.1.7 strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwar Mohammad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Jehad Abubaker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Genetics and Bioinformatics, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait, Kuwait
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15
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Tailor N, Warner BM, Griffin BD, Tierney K, Moffat E, Frost K, Vendramelli R, Leung A, Willman M, Thomas SP, Pei Y, Booth SA, Embury-Hyatt C, Wootton SK, Kobasa D. Generation and Characterization of a SARS-CoV-2-Susceptible Mouse Model Using Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV6.2FF)-Mediated Respiratory Delivery of the Human ACE2 Gene. Viruses 2022; 15:85. [PMID: 36680125 PMCID: PMC9863330 DOI: 10.3390/v15010085] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the aetiological agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has caused a pandemic with millions of human infections. There continues to be a pressing need to develop potential therapies and vaccines to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection to mitigate the ongoing pandemic. Epidemiological data from the current pandemic indicates that there may be sex-dependent differences in disease outcomes. To investigate these differences, we proposed to use common small animal species that are frequently used to model disease with viruses. However, common laboratory strains of mice are not readily infected by SARS-CoV-2 because of differences in the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cellular receptor for the virus. To overcome this limitation, we transduced common laboratory accessible strains of mice of different sexes and age groups with a novel a triple AAV6 mutant, termed AAV6.2FF, encoding either human ACE2 or luciferase via intranasal administration to promote expression in the lung and nasal turbinates. Infection of AAV-hACE2-transduced mice with SARS-CoV-2 resulted in high viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates, establishment of an IgM and IgG antibody response, and modulation of lung and nasal turbinate cytokine profiles. There were insignificant differences in infection characteristics between age groups and sex-related differences; however, there were significant strain-related differences between BALB/c vs. C57BL/6 mice. We show that AAV-hACE2-transduced mice are a useful for determining immune responses and for potential evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and antiviral therapies, and this study serves as a model for the utility of this approach to rapidly develop small-animal models for emerging viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikesh Tailor
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Bryce M. Warner
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Bryan D. Griffin
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Kevin Tierney
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Estella Moffat
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Kathy Frost
- Molecular Pathobiology, National Microbiology Laboratory NML, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Robert Vendramelli
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Anders Leung
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
| | - Marnie Willman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Sylvia P. Thomas
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yanlong Pei
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Stephanie A. Booth
- Molecular Pathobiology, National Microbiology Laboratory NML, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Carissa Embury-Hyatt
- National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3M4, Canada
| | - Sarah K. Wootton
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens Program, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, 1015 Arlington Street, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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16
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Robertson J, Nellgård B, Hultén LM, Nilsson S, Dalla K, Börjesson M, Zetterberg H, Svanvik J, Gisslén M. Sex difference in circulating soluble form of ACE2 protein in moderate and severe COVID-19 and healthy controls. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:1058120. [PMID: 36569121 PMCID: PMC9773379 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.1058120] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Membrane-bound angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) in epithelial cells is the main receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The extracellular portion of ACE2 may be shedded to plasma in which process ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) is important. Results on the relationship between circulating levels of the soluble form of ACE2 (sACE2) and disease severity are inconclusive. This study investigates if sACE2 concentration correlates with COVID-19 severity, and whether this is affected by sex. Materials and methods Soluble form of ACE2 was analyzed in three groups: 104 patients (23 women and 81 men) with severe COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), patients with moderate COVID-19 who required hospital care (n = 19, 4 women and 15 men), and age and sex matched healthy controls (n = 20, 4 women and 16 men). Blood samples were collected at hospital admission between 18 March 2020, and 3 May 2021, and at follow-up between 27 October 2020, and 19 October 2021. Circulating sACE2 (μg/L) was measured in EDTA plasma with a sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, CRP, ferritin, and lymphocyte count were analyzed during hospital stay. Results In total, 23 patients (22%) died in the ICU. When comparing healthy controls [mean age 58.1 (SD 11.4) years] and patients with moderate COVID-19 [mean age 61.0 (SD 13.2) years] with patients in the ICU [mean age 63.6 (SD 11.6) years], we found that sACE2 concentration decreased (70% reduction) with disease severity in men (p = 0.002) but increased 3.7-fold with severity in women (p = 0.043), suggesting a sex-related difference in how COVID-19 severity is related to sACE2 concentration. Moreover, we identified a relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and sACE2 concentration during the intensive care treatment, such that higher CRP and higher ferritin concentration correlated with lower sACE2 concentration in men. Conclusion The decrease in sACE2 concentration, selectively in men, in severe COVID-19 is of pathophysiological interest since men are affected more severely by the disease compared to women. Additionally, the inflammatory biomarkers, CRP and ferritin, correlated inversely with sACE2 concentration, suggesting a role in severe disease. Our findings imply that sACE2 is a possible biomarker of disease severity in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefina Robertson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Josefina Robertson,
| | - Bengt Nellgård
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive care, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lillemor Mattsson Hultén
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Nilsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Keti Dalla
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive care, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mats Börjesson
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Center for Health and Performance, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Zetterberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, University College London (UCL) Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom,United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom,Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joar Svanvik
- The Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Gisslén
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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17
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Wu VC, Peng KY, Hu YH, Chang CC, Chan CK, Lai TS, Lin YH, Wang SM, Lu CC, Liu YC, Tsai YC, Chueh JS. Circulating Plasma Concentrations of ACE2 in Primary Aldosteronism and Cardiovascular Outcomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:3242-3251. [PMID: 36125178 PMCID: PMC9494503 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac539] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The plasma concentrations of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (pACE2) has been independently associated with cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE Higher pACE2 concentrations may be found in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) and might lead to increased cardiovascular events. METHODS Using an inception observational cohort, we examined pACE2 among 168 incident patients with PA. The expression of ACE2, serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2), and metalloprotease 17 (ADAM17) were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. RESULTS Incident PA and essential hypertension (EH) patients had similarly elevated pACE2 (47.04 ± 22.06 vs 46.73 ± 21.06 ng/mL; P = .937). Age was negatively (β = -2.15; P = .033) and higher serum potassium level (β = 2.29; P = .024) was positively correlated with higher pACE2 in PA patients. Clinical complete hypertension remission after adrenalectomy (Primary Aldosteronism Surgery Outcome criteria) was achieved in 36 (50%) of 72 surgically treated unilateral PA (uPA) patients. At follow-up, pACE2 decreased in surgically treated patients who had (P < .001) or had no (P = .006) hypertension remission, but the pACE2 attenuation was not statistically significant in uPA (P = .085) and bilateral PA (P = .409) administered with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). Persistently elevated pACE2 (> 23 ng/mL) after targeted treatments was related to all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events among PA patients (hazard ratio = 8.8; P = .04); with a mean follow-up of 3.29 years. TMPRSS2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was higher in uPA (P = .018) and EH (P = .038) patients than in normotensive controls; it was also decreased after adrenalectomy (P < .001). CONCLUSION PA and EH patients had elevated pACE2 and higher expression of TMPRSS2 mRNA compared to those of normotensive population. Persistently elevated pACE2 (> 23 ng/mL) after targeted treatments was associated risk of mortality and incident cardiovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vin Cent Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang Yung Peng
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya Hui Hu
- Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chin Chen Chang
- Department of Imaging Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chieh Kai Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Hsin-Chu branch, Hsin-Chu County, Taiwan
| | - Tai Shuan Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yen Hung Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shuo-Meng Wang
- Department of Urology, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching Chu Lu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chun Liu
- Far Eastern Polyclinic of Far Eastern Medical FoundationTaipei CityTaiwan
| | - Yao-Chou Tsai
- Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jeff S Chueh
- Address for correspondence: Jeff S Chueh, MD, PhD. Phone: +886 2 23123456 ext. 63098, and fax: +886 2 23952333
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18
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Mandal A, Mallik S, Mondal S, Subhadarshini S, Sadhukhan R, Ghoshal T, Mitra S, Manna M, Mandal S, Goswami DK. Diffusion-Induced Ingress of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 into the Charge Conducting Path of a Pentacene Channel for Efficient Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Saliva Samples. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3006-3013. [PMID: 36129125 PMCID: PMC9514329 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01287] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and accurate identification of a pathogen is crucial for disease control and prevention of the epidemic of emerging infectious like SARS-CoV-2. However, no foolproof gold standard assay exists to date. Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostic tests have been established for identifying COVID-19. However, viral RNAs are highly unstable in handling with poor laboratory procedures, leading to a false negative that accelerates the spread of the disease. Detection of the spike protein (S1) of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through a proper receptor, commonly used in antigen-based rapid testing kits, also suffers from false-negative predictions due to decreasing viral titers in clinical specimens. Organic field-effect transistor (OFET)-based sensors can be highly sensitive upon properly integrating receptors in the conducting channel. This work demonstrates how angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) molecules can be used as receptor molecules of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the OFET platform. Integration of ACE2 molecules into pentacene grain boundaries has been studied through the statistical analysis of rough surfaces in terms of lateral correlation length and interface width. The uniform coating of ACE2 molecules has been confirmed through growth studies to achieve better ingress of the receptors into the conducting channel at the semiconductor/dielectric interface of OFETs. We have observed less than a minute detection time with 94% sensitivity, which is the highest reported value. The sensor works with a saliva sample, requiring no sample preparation or virus transfer medium. A prototype module developed for remote monitoring confirms the suitability for point-of-care (POC) application at large-scale testing in more crowded areas like airports, railway stations, shopping malls, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajoy Mandal
- Organic Electronics Laboratory, Department of Physics,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Samik Mallik
- School of Nanoscience and Technology,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Sovanlal Mondal
- School of Nanoscience and Technology,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Suvani Subhadarshini
- School of Nanoscience and Technology,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Riya Sadhukhan
- Organic Electronics Laboratory, Department of Physics,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Tanmay Ghoshal
- Department of Electronics and Electrical Communication
Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur,
Kharagpur721302, India
| | - Suman Mitra
- School of Nanoscience and Technology,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Mousam Manna
- B C Roy Technology Hospital, Indian
Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Suman Mandal
- Organic Electronics Laboratory, Department of Physics,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
| | - Dipak K. Goswami
- Organic Electronics Laboratory, Department of Physics,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
- School of Nanoscience and Technology,
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur721302,
India
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19
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Zhang Q, Liu T, Ding J, Zhou N, Yu Z, Ren Y, Qin X, Du P, Yang Z, Zhu H. Evaluation of 68Ga- and 177Lu-Labeled HZ20 Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2-Targeting Peptides for Tumor-Specific Imaging. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:4149-4156. [PMID: 36198565 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00541] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is closely related to tumor formation. We developed the radiolabeled peptide pair 68Ga/177Lu-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid (DOTA)-conjugated DX600 (68Ga/177Lu-HZ20), for the targeting and mapping of ACE2-overexpressing tumors. 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20 was prepared with a routine labeling method. HepG2ACE2+/HepG2WT cell lines were used to evaluate the specificity of 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20. Pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and micro-PET/CT and -SPECT/CT imaging were performed, and radiation dosimetry was estimated. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was performed to assess the expression of ACE2 in tumors. The radiolabeling yields of 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20 were 88.49 ± 8.57% (n > 10) and 84.71 ± 9.75% (n > 10), with specific activities of (18.74 ± 3.72) × 106 and (17.85 ± 1.62) × 106 GBq/mol, respectively. 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20 showed significant differences in the cellular uptake of HepG2ACE2+/HepG2WT cells and fast clearance in KM mice. Moreover, HepG2ACE2+ tumors were clearly visualized in 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20 micro-PET/SPECT images. Based on micro-PET/CT, the standard uptake value (SUVmax) of HepG2ACE2+ tumors was 0.66 ± 0.02 at 30 min postinjection, IHC confirmed the high expression of ACE2 in HepG2ACE2+ tumors. In PET/CT images, the SUVmean of volunteer 1 was higher than the 18F-FDG value in the same lesion. 68Ga/177Lu-HZ20 was successfully obtained and showed high and specific uptake in tumors overexpressing ACE2. They may serve as paired probes for ACE2-targeting theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Teli Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Nina Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Ziyi Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of education/Beijing), Department of Urology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Yanan Ren
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xue Qin
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Peng Du
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of education/Beijing), Department of Urology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Zhi Yang
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Hua Zhu
- Guizhou University Medicine College, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (ministry of Education/Beijing), key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration) of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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20
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Saadah LM, Deiab GIA, Al-Balas QA, Basheti IA. Computational medicinal chemistry role in clinical pharmacy education: Ingavirin for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) discovery model. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2022; 20:2746. [PMID: 36793906 PMCID: PMC9891799 DOI: 10.18549/pharmpract.2022.4.2746] [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: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Given the major shift to patient-directed education, novel coronavirus (nCoV) provides a live example on how medicinal chemistry could be a key science to teach pharmacy students. In this paper, students and clinical pharmacy practitioners will find a stepwise primer on identifying new potential nCoV treatments mechanistically modulated through angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Methods First, we identified the maximum common pharmacophore between carnosine and melatonin as background ACE2 inhibitors. Second, we performed a similarity search to spot out structures containing the pharmacophore. Third, molinspiration bioactivity scoring enabled us to promote one of the newly identified molecules as the best next candidate for nCoV. Preliminary docking in SwissDock and visualization through University of California San Francisco (UCSF) chimera made it possible to qualify one of them for further detailed docking and experimental validation. Results Ingavirin had the best docking results with full fitness of -3347.15 kcal/mol and estimated ΔG of -8.53 kcal/mol compared with melatonin (-6.57 kcal/mol) and carnosine (-6.29 kcal/mol). UCSF chimera showed viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 retained in the best ingavirin pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Conclusion Ingavirin has a promising inhibitory potential to host (ACE2 and nCoV spike protein) recognition, and hence could offer the next best mitigating effect against the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai M Saadah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931, Amman, Jordan.
| | | | - Qosay A Al-Balas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science & Technology, 22110, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Iman A Basheti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931, Amman, Jordan; Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, 2006, Sydney, Australia.
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21
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Piacentini R, Centi L, Miotto M, Milanetti E, Di Rienzo L, Pitea M, Piazza P, Ruocco G, Boffi A, Parisi G. Lactoferrin Inhibition of the Complex Formation between ACE2 Receptor and SARS CoV-2 Recognition Binding Domain. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105436. [PMID: 35628247 PMCID: PMC9141661 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105436] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present investigation focuses on the analysis of the interactions among human lactoferrin (LF), SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD) and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in order to assess possible mutual interactions that could provide a molecular basis of the reported preventative effect of lactoferrin against CoV-2 infection. In particular, kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for the pairwise interactions among the three proteins were measured via two independent techniques, biolayer interferometry and latex nanoparticle-enhanced turbidimetry. The results obtained clearly indicate that LF is able to bind the ACE2 receptor ectodomain with significantly high affinity, whereas no binding to the RBD was observed up to the maximum “physiological” lactoferrin concentration range. Lactoferrin, above 1 µM concentration, thus appears to directly interfere with RBD–ACE2 binding, bringing about a measurable, up to 300-fold increase of the KD value relative to RBD–ACE2 complex formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Piacentini
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Laura Centi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Mattia Miotto
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Edoardo Milanetti
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Rienzo
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
| | - Martina Pitea
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- D-Tails s.r.l., Via di Torre Rossa 66, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Piazza
- EDIF Instruments s.r.l., Via Ardeatina 132, 00147 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Ruocco
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Department of Physics, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Boffi
- Department of Biochemistry, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (R.P.); (L.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Giacomo Parisi
- Center of Life Nano and Neuro Science, Institute of Italian Technology, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00181 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (E.M.); (L.D.R.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence:
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22
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Basu A, Pamreddy A, Singh P, Sharma K. An Adverse Outcomes Approach to Study the Effects of SARS-CoV-2 in 3D Organoid Models. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167213. [PMID: 34437890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2021.167213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak is the major cause of a respiratory disease known as COVID-19. It has caused a global pandemic and has resulted in mortality in millions. The primary mode of infection is respiratory ailments, however, due to multi-organ complications, COVID-19 patients displays a greater mortality numbers. Due to the 3Rs Principle (Refine, Reduce, Replacement), the scientific community has shifted its focus to 3D organoid models rather than testing animal models. 3D organoid models provide a better physiological architecture as it mimics the real tissue microenvironment and is the best platform to recapitulate organs in a dish. Hence, the organoid approach provides a more realistic drug response in comparison to the traditional 2D cellular models, which lack key physiological relevance due to the absence of proper surface topography and cellular interactions. Furthermore, an adverse outcome pathway (AOPs) provides a best fit model to identify various molecular and cellular events during the exposure of SARS-CoV-2. Hence, 3D organoid research provides information related to gene expression, cell behavior, antiviral studies and ACE2 expression in various organs. In this review, we discuss state-of-the-art lung, liver and kidney 3D organoid system utilizing the AOPs to study SARS-CoV-2 molecular pathogenesis. Furthermore, current challenges are discussed for future application of 3D organoid systems for various disease states.
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23
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Oldfield PR, Hibberd J, Bridle BW. How Does Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 Affect the Brain and Its Implications for the Vaccines Currently in Use. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 10:vaccines10010001. [PMID: 35062662 PMCID: PMC8780773 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This mini-review focuses on the mechanisms of how severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects the brain, with an emphasis on the role of the spike protein in patients with neurological symptoms. Following infection, patients with a history of neurological complications may be at a higher risk of developing long-term neurological conditions associated with the α-synuclein prion, such as Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. Compelling evidence has been published to indicate that the spike protein, which is derived from SARS-CoV-2 and generated from the vaccines currently being employed, is not only able to cross the blood–brain barrier but may cause inflammation and/or blood clots in the brain. Consequently, should vaccine-induced expression of spike proteins not be limited to the site of injection and draining lymph nodes there is the potential of long-term implications following inoculation that may be identical to that of patients exhibiting neurological complications after being infected with SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies are needed before definitive conclusions can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Hibberd
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1X3, Canada;
| | - Byram W. Bridle
- Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-519-824-4120 (ext. 54657)
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24
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Zhang H, Shao B, Dang Q, Chen Z, Zhou Q, Luo H, Yuan W, Sun Z. Pathogenesis and Mechanism of Gastrointestinal Infection With COVID-19. Front Immunol 2021; 12:674074. [PMID: 34858386 PMCID: PMC8631495 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.674074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [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: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
As a new infectious disease, COVID-19 is spread through the respiratory tract in most cases. Its source and pathological mechanism are not clear. The most common clinical feature is pulmonary infection. Also, a lot patients have gastrointestinal symptoms. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a functional cellular receptor for SARS-CoV-2, which is like SARS-CoV, a coronavirus associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003. The tissues and cells expressing ACE2 are potential targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection, and the high expression of ACE2 in intestinal epithelial cells marks that SARS-CoV-2 may directly infect intestinal epithelial cells. Recent studies also suggest that SARS-CoV-2 existed and replicated in intestinal environment for a long time. The interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and RAS system leads to the decrease of local anti-inflammatory ability. The virus cycle leads to excessive imbalance of immune response and cytokine release. The downregulation of ACE2 after viral infection leads to gastrointestinal dysfunction. The above are the causes of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we reviewed the possible causes and mechanisms of gastrointestinal symptoms caused by COVID-19. Additionally, we discussed the influence of gastrointestinal symptoms on the prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Shao
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Qin Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhuang Chen
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Guangshan County People's Hospital, Xinyang, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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25
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Xiong J, Xiang Y, Huang Z, Liu X, Wang M, Ge G, Chen H, Xu J, Zheng M, Chen L. Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Identification of Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD and ACE2 Interaction. Front Chem 2021; 9:740702. [PMID: 34646813 PMCID: PMC8504695 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.740702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 have caused a worldwide public health crisis. Designing small molecule inhibitors targeting SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD/ACE2 interaction is considered as a potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of SARS-CoV-2. But to date, only a few compounds have been reported as SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD/ACE2 interaction inhibitors. In this study, we described the virtual screening and experimental validation of two novel inhibitors (DC-RA016 and DC-RA052) against SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD/ACE2 interaction. The NanoBiT assays and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays demonstrated their capabilities of blocking SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD/ACE2 interaction and directly binding to both S-RBD and ACE2. Moreover, the pseudovirus assay revealed that these two compounds possessed significant antiviral activity (about 50% inhibition rate at maximum non-cytotoxic concentration). These results indicate that the compounds DC-RA016 and DC-RA052 are promising inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD/ACE2 interaction and deserve to be further developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yusen Xiang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziming Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengge Wang
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangbo Ge
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhuan Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Academy of Integrative Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyue Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Drug Discovery and Design Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,College of Pharmacy, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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26
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Zieneldien T, Kim J, Cao J, Cao C. COVID-19 Vaccines: Current Conditions and Future Prospects. Biology (Basel) 2021; 10:biology10100960. [PMID: 34681059 PMCID: PMC8533517 DOI: 10.3390/biology10100960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was first encountered in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China. As of now, there have been over 200 million infections and 4 million deaths attributed to the virus. Due to this, it has been a priority to find an effective preventative measure, and numerous vaccines have been developed. Although the developed vaccines share the target of blocking viral entry by the spike protein, their pharmacology and efficacy differs. As such, the mechanism of action and the elicited immune response of the most common COVID-19 vaccines have been compared to help determine which vaccine is most efficacious and is best suited to prevent reinfection and address viral mutations. Abstract It has been over a year since SARS-CoV-2 was first reported in December of 2019 in Wuhan, China. To curb the spread of the virus, many therapies and cures have been tested and developed, most notably mRNA and DNA vaccines. Federal health agencies (CDC, FDA) have approved emergency usage of these S gene-based vaccines with the intention of minimizing any further loss of lives and infections. It is crucial to assess which vaccines are the most efficacious by examining their effects on the immune system, and by providing considerations for new technological vaccine strategies in the future. This paper provides an overview of the current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines with their mechanisms of action, current technologies utilized in manufacturing of the vaccines, and limitations in this new field with emerging data. Although the most popular COVID-19 vaccines have been proven effective, time will be the main factor in dictating which vaccine will be able to best address mutations and future infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Zieneldien
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (T.Z.); (J.K.)
| | - Janice Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (T.Z.); (J.K.)
| | - Jessica Cao
- Department of Natural Sciences, Wiess School of Natural Sciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA;
| | - Chuanhai Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Taneja College of Pharmacy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA; (T.Z.); (J.K.)
- Correspondence:
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27
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Majolo F, da Silva GL, Vieira L, Anli C, Timmers LFSM, Laufer S, Goettert MI. Neuropsychiatric Disorders and COVID-19: What We Know So Far. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090933. [PMID: 34577633 PMCID: PMC8465079 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2) affects the central nervous system (CNS), which is shown in a significant number of patients with neurological events. In this study, an updated literature review was carried out regarding neurological disorders in COVID-19. Neurological symptoms are more common in patients with severe infection according to their respiratory status and divided into three categories: (1) CNS manifestations; (2) cranial and peripheral nervous system manifestations; and (3) skeletal muscle injury manifestations. Patients with pre-existing cerebrovascular disease are at a higher risk of admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and mortality. The neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19 are of great importance, but when life-threatening abnormal vital signs occur in severely ill COVID-19 patients, neurological problems are usually not considered. It is crucial to search for new treatments for brain damage, as well as for alternative therapies that recover the damaged brain and reduce the inflammatory response and its consequences for other organs. In addition, there is a need to diagnose these manifestations as early as possible to limit long-term consequences. Therefore, much research is needed to explain the involvement of SARS-CoV-2 causing these neurological symptoms because scientists know zero about it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Majolo
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.M.); (C.A.); (L.F.S.M.T.)
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences Center, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (G.L.d.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Guilherme Liberato da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences Center, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (G.L.d.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Lucas Vieira
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences Center, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (G.L.d.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Cetin Anli
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.M.); (C.A.); (L.F.S.M.T.)
| | - Luís Fernando Saraiva Macedo Timmers
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.M.); (C.A.); (L.F.S.M.T.)
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences Center, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (G.L.d.S.); (L.V.)
| | - Stefan Laufer
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Institute of Pharmacy, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Tübingen Center for Academic Drug Discovery (TüCAD2), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Márcia Inês Goettert
- Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (F.M.); (C.A.); (L.F.S.M.T.)
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences Center, Universidade do Vale do Taquari-Univates, Lajeado 95914-014, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; (G.L.d.S.); (L.V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-5137147000
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Socher E, Conrad M, Heger L, Paulsen F, Sticht H, Zunke F, Arnold P. Computational decomposition reveals reshaping of the SARS-CoV-2-ACE2 interface among viral variants expressing the N501Y mutation. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1863-1872. [PMID: 34516024 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Variants of concern of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with an asparagine-to-tyrosine substitution at position 501 (N501Y) in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) show enhanced infectivity compared to wild-type, resulting in an altered pandemic situation in affected areas. These SARS-Cov-2 variants comprise the two Alpha variants (B.1.1.7, United Kingdom and B.1.1.7 with the additional E484K mutation), the Beta variant (B.1.351, South Africa), and the Gamma variant (P.1, Brazil). Understanding the binding modalities between these viral variants and the host cell receptor ACE2 allows to depict changes, but also common motifs of virus-host cell interaction. The trimeric spike protein expressed at the viral surface contains the RBD that forms the molecular interface with ACE2. All the above-mentioned variants carry between one and three amino acid exchanges within the interface-forming region of the RBD, thereby altering the binding interface with ACE2. Using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and decomposition of intermolecular contacts between the RBD and ACE2, we identified phenylalanine 486, glutamine 498, threonine 500, and tyrosine 505 as important interface-forming residues across viral variants. However, especially the N501Y exchange increased contact formation for this residue and also induced some local conformational changes. Comparing here, the in silico generated B.1.1.7 RBD-ACE2 complex with the now available experimentally solved structure reveals very similar behavior during MD simulation. We demonstrate, how computational methods can help to identify differences in conformation as well as contact formation for newly emerging viral variants. Altogether, we provide extensive data on all N501Y expressing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern with respect to their interaction with ACE2 and how this induces reshaping of the RBD-ACE2 interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Socher
- Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Institute for Clinical and Molecular Virology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marcus Conrad
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukas Heger
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friedrich Paulsen
- Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Operative Surgery and Topographic Anatomy, Sechenov University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Heinrich Sticht
- Division of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Erlangen National High Performance Computing Center (NHR@FAU), Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Friederike Zunke
- Department of Molecular Neurology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Philipp Arnold
- Functional and Clinical Anatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, disproportionally targets older people, particularly men, ethnic minorities, and individuals with underlying diseases such as compromised immune system, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. The discrepancy in COVID-19 incidence and severity is multifaceted and likely involves biological, social, as well as nutritional status. Vitamin D deficiency, notably common in Black and Brown people and elderly, is associated with an increased susceptibility to many of the diseases comorbid with COVID-19. Vitamin D deficiency can cause over-activation of the pulmonary renin-angiotensin system (RAS) leading to the respiratory syndrome. RAS is regulated in part at least by angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which also acts as a primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 entry into the cells. Hence, vitamin D deficiency can exacerbate COVID-19, via its effects on ACE2. In this review we focus on influence of age, gender, and ethnicity on vitamin D-ACE2 interaction and susceptibility to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruk Getachew
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, Howard UniversityWashington DCUSA
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of PharmacologyCollege of Medicine, Howard UniversityWashington DCUSA
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30
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Balzanelli MG, Distratis P, Dipalma G, Vimercati L, Inchingolo AD, Lazzaro R, Aityan SK, Maggiore ME, Mancini A, Laforgia R, Pezzolla A, Tomassone D, Pham VH, Iacobone D, Castrignano A, Scarano A, Lorusso F, Tafuri S, Migliore G, Inchingolo AM, Nguyen KCD, Toai TC, Inchingolo F, Isacco CG. Sars-CoV-2 Virus Infection May Interfere CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Megakaryocyte-Erythroid Progenitors Differentiation Contributing to Platelet Defection towards Insurgence of Thrombocytopenia and Thrombophilia. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1632. [PMID: 34442710 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, several cases of thrombosis have been confirmed to be related to Sars-CoV-2 infection. Multiple attempts detected the prolonged occurrence of Sars-CoV-2 viral RNA (long COVID) in whole blood suggesting that virus byproducts may remain within cells and tissues well over the disease has finished. Patients may develop severe thrombocytopenia, acute anemia of inflammation and, systemic thrombosis with the fatal course of disease, which is suggestive of further interferences of Sars-CoV-2 on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) within the differentiation process towards erythroid and megakaryocytic cells. Therefore, we speculated whether Sars-CoV-2 propagates in or compartmentalizes with hematopoietic progenitor, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cells as the main cause of thrombotic events in either COVID-19 patients or vaccinated individuals. Results: The Sars-CoV-2 RNA replication, protein translation and infectious particle formation as the spike proteins in hematopoietic cell lines take place via the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) entry pathway within primary CD34+ HSCs inducing, ex vivo, the formation of defected erythroid and megakaryocytic cells that eventually become targets of humoral and adaptive immune cells. Conclusions: Viral particles from affected CD34+ HSCs or the cellular component of RBC units and eventually platelets, present the greatest risk for sever thrombosis-transmitted Sars-CoV-2 infections.
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Marčetić D, Samaržija M, Vukić Dugac A, Knežević J. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Chronic Inflammatory Lung Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1054. [PMID: 34356070 DOI: 10.3390/genes12071054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases are characterized by uncontrolled immune response in the airways as their main pathophysiological manifestation. The lack of specific diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for many pulmonary diseases represents a major challenge for pulmonologists. The majority of the currently approved therapeutic approaches are focused on achieving disease remission, although there is no guarantee of complete recovery. It is known that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), an important counter-regulatory component of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), is expressed in the airways. It has been shown that ACE2 plays a role in systemic regulation of the cardiovascular and renal systems, lungs and liver by acting on blood pressure, electrolyte balance control mechanisms and inflammation. Its protective role in the lungs has also been presented, but the exact pathophysiological mechanism of action is still elusive. The aim of this study is to review and discuss recent findings about ACE2, including its potential role in the pathophysiology of chronic inflammatory lung diseases:, i.e., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. Additionally, in the light of the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19), we will discuss the role of ACE2 in the pathophysiology of this disease, mainly represented by different grades of pulmonary problems. We believe that these insights will open up new perspectives for the future use of ACE2 as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and monitoring of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.
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32
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van Eijk LE, Binkhorst M, Bourgonje AR, Offringa AK, Mulder DJ, Bos EM, Kolundzic N, Abdulle AE, van der Voort PHJ, Olde Rikkert MGM, van der Hoeven JG, den Dunnen WFA, Hillebrands J, van Goor H. COVID-19: immunopathology, pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment options. J Pathol 2021; 254:307-331. [PMID: 33586189 PMCID: PMC8013908 DOI: 10.1002/path.5642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [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: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), continues to spread globally despite the worldwide implementation of preventive measures to combat the disease. Although most COVID-19 cases are characterised by a mild, self-limiting disease course, a considerable subset of patients develop a more severe condition, varying from pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to multi-organ failure (MOF). Progression of COVID-19 is thought to occur as a result of a complex interplay between multiple pathophysiological mechanisms, all of which may orchestrate SARS-CoV-2 infection and contribute to organ-specific tissue damage. In this respect, dissecting currently available knowledge of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis is crucially important, not only to improve our understanding of its pathophysiology but also to fuel the rationale of both novel and repurposed treatment modalities. Various immune-mediated pathways during SARS-CoV-2 infection are relevant in this context, which relate to innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and autoimmunity. Pathological findings in tissue specimens of patients with COVID-19 provide valuable information with regard to our understanding of pathophysiology as well as the development of evidence-based treatment regimens. This review provides an updated overview of the main pathological changes observed in COVID-19 within the most commonly affected organ systems, with special emphasis on immunopathology. Current management strategies for COVID-19 include supportive care and the use of repurposed or symptomatic drugs, such as dexamethasone, remdesivir, and anticoagulants. Ultimately, prevention is key to combat COVID-19, and this requires appropriate measures to attenuate its spread and, above all, the development and implementation of effective vaccines. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa E van Eijk
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Binkhorst
- Department of Paediatrics, Subdivision of NeonatologyRadboud University Medical Center Amalia Children's HospitalNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Arno R Bourgonje
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Annette K Offringa
- Microbiology and System BiologyNetherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific ResearchZeistThe Netherlands
| | - Douwe J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Eelke M Bos
- Department of NeurosurgeryErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nikola Kolundzic
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Women and Children's Health, School of Life Course Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
- Assisted Conception Unit, Guy's HospitalLondonUK
| | - Amaal E Abdulle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Peter HJ van der Voort
- Department of Critical Care, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel GM Olde Rikkert
- Department of Geriatric MedicineRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | | | - Wilfred FA den Dunnen
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan‐Luuk Hillebrands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Division of Pathology, University of GroningenUniversity Medical Center GroningenGroningenThe Netherlands
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Herrington CS, Poulsom R, Koeppen H, Coates PJ. Recent Advances in Pathology: the 2021 Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology. J Pathol 2021; 254:303-306. [PMID: 34097314 DOI: 10.1002/path.5687] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The 2021 Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology contains 14 invited reviews on current research areas of particular importance in pathology. The subjects included here reflect the broad range of interests covered by the journal, including both basic and applied research fields but always with the aim of improving our understanding of human disease. This year, our reviews encompass the huge impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the development and application of biomarkers for immune checkpoint inhibitors, recent advances in multiplexing antigen/nucleic acid detection in situ, the use of genomics to aid drug discovery, organoid methodologies in research, the microbiome in cancer, the role of macrophage-stroma interactions in fibrosis, and TGF-β as a driver of fibrosis in multiple pathologies. Other reviews revisit the p53 field and its lack of clinical impact to date, dissect the genetics of mitochondrial diseases, summarise the cells of origin and genetics of sarcomagenesis, provide new data on the role of TRIM28 in tumour predisposition, review our current understanding of cancer stem cell niches, and the function and regulation of p63. The reviews are authored by experts in their field from academia and industry, and provide comprehensive updates of the chosen areas, in which there has been considerable recent progress. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Simon Herrington
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Richard Poulsom
- The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, London, UK
| | | | - Philip J Coates
- RECAMO, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
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34
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Zhu C, He G, Yin Q, Zeng L, Ye X, Shi Y, Xu W. Molecular biology of the SARs-CoV-2 spike protein: A review of current knowledge. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5729-5741. [PMID: 34125455 PMCID: PMC8427004 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [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: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), has led to an unprecedented worldwide public health emergency. Despite the concerted efforts of the scientific field, by April 25, 2021, SARS‐CoV‐2 had spread to over 192 countries/regions, causing more than 146 million confirmed cases including 31 million deaths. For now, an established treatment for patients with COVID‐19 remains unavailable. The key to tackling this pandemic is to understand the mechanisms underlying its infectivity and pathogenicity. As a predominant focus, the coronavirus spike (S) protein is the key determinant of host range, infectivity, and pathogenesis. Thereby comprehensive understanding of the sophisticated structure of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein may provide insights into possible intervention strategies to fight this ongoing global pandemic. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge of the molecular structural and functional features of SARS‐CoV‐2 S protein as well as recent updates on the cell entry mechanism of the SARS‐CoV‐2, paving the way for exploring more structure‐guided strategies against SARS‐CoV‐2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaogeng Zhu
- Translational Medicine Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Guiyun He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinqin Yin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Zeng
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiangli Ye
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongzhong Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
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35
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Nguyen KV. Problems associated with antiviral drugs and vaccines development for COVID-19: approach to intervention using expression vectors via GPI anchor. Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids 2021; 40:665-706. [PMID: 33982646 PMCID: PMC8127170 DOI: 10.1080/15257770.2021.1914851] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The outbreak of a novel coronavirus responsible for the severe acquired respiratory syndrome: SARS-CoV-2, also known as coronavirus disease 2019: COVID-19, represents a pandemic threat that has been declared a public health emergency of international concern. The CoV spike (S) glycoprotein is a key target for diagnostic, development of antibodies, entry inhibitors, and vaccines. COVID-19 also recognizes angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as its host receptor binding to viral S protein. Several antiviral drugs and vaccines have been evaluated for the treatment and prevention of the infection by the virus. To facilitate medical countermeasure development, the problems associated with antiviral drugs and vaccines development for containing the spread of COVID-19 are discussed. There is an urgent need to study deeply on the structure, mutations, and function of COVID-19 as well as its pathophysiology from a large population. Construction of expression vectors for any protein targeting to the cell plasma membrane via the glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol, GPI, anchor for studying intermolecular interactions, as described in Ref. # 62 (Nguyen, K. V., Naviaux, R. K., Nyhan, W. L. Lesch-Nyhan disease: I. Construction of expression vectors for hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGprt) enzyme and amyloid precursor protein (APP). Nucleosides Nucleotides Nucleic Acids 2020, 39, 905-922), between the S protein of COVID-19 as well as its variants and ACE2 could be useful in antiviral drugs and vaccines development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue Vu Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Biochemical Genetics and Metabolism, The Mitochondrial and Metabolic Disease Center, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, CA, USA
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36
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Gilham D, Smith AL, Fu L, Moore DY, Muralidharan A, Reid SPM, Stotz SC, Johansson JO, Sweeney M, Wong NCW, Kulikowski E, El-Gamal D. Bromodomain and Extraterminal Protein Inhibitor, Apabetalone (RVX-208), Reduces ACE2 Expression and Attenuates SARS-Cov-2 Infection In Vitro. Biomedicines 2021; 9:437. [PMID: 33919584 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9040437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective therapeutics are urgently needed to counter infection and improve outcomes for patients suffering from COVID-19 and to combat this pandemic. Manipulation of epigenetic machinery to influence viral infectivity of host cells is a relatively unexplored area. The bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) family of epigenetic readers have been reported to modulate SARS-CoV-2 infection. Herein, we demonstrate apabetalone, the most clinical advanced BET inhibitor, downregulates expression of cell surface receptors involved in SARS-CoV-2 entry, including angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4 or CD26) in SARS-CoV-2 permissive cells. Moreover, we show that apabetalone inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection in vitro to levels comparable to those of antiviral agents. Taken together, our study supports further evaluation of apabetalone to treat COVID-19, either alone or in combination with emerging therapeutics.
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Chen X, Kang Y, Luo J, Pang K, Xu X, Wu J, Li X, Jin S. Next-Generation Sequencing Reveals the Progression of COVID-19. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:632490. [PMID: 33777844 PMCID: PMC7991797 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.632490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [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: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (causing the disease COVID-19) has caused a highly transmissible and ongoing pandemic worldwide. Due to its rapid development, next-generation sequencing plays vital roles in many aspects. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the origin and human transmission of SARS-CoV-2 based on NGS analysis. The ACE2 expression levels in various human tissues and relevant cells were compared to provide insights into the mechanism of SAS-CoV-2 infection. Gut microbiota dysbiosis observed by metagenome sequencing and the immunogenetics of COVID-19 patients according to single-cell sequencing analysis were also highlighted. Overall, the application of these sequencing techniques could be meaningful for finding novel intermediate SARS-CoV-2 hosts to block interspecies transmission. This information will further benefit SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic development and new therapeutic target discovery. The extensive application of NGS will provide powerful support for our fight against future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Chen
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yutong Kang
- Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Sanitary Microbiology, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou, China
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Rheumatology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kun Pang
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jinyu Wu
- Institute of Genomic Medicine, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiaokun Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengwei Jin
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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38
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Abstract
The disease COVID-19 has caused heavy socio-economic burden and there is immediate need to control it. The disease is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The viral entry into human cell depends on the attachment of spike (S) protein via its receptor binding domain (RBD) to human cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2). Thus, blocking the virus attachment to hACE2 could serve as potential therapeutics for viral infection. We have designed a peptide inhibitor (ΔABP-α2) targeting the RBD of S protein using in-silico approach. Docking studies and computed affinities suggested that peptide inhibitor binds at the RBD with ∼95-fold higher affinity than hACE2. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation confirms the stable binding of inhibitor to hACE2. Immunoinformatics studies suggest non-immunogenic and non-toxic nature of peptide. Thus, the proposed peptide could serve as potential blocker for viral attachment. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
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Affiliation(s)
- Grijesh Jaiswal
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Shivani Yaduvanshi
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Noida, India
| | - Veerendra Kumar
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University, Noida, India
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39
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Hill JM, Clement C, Arceneaux L, Lukiw WJ. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Expression in the Aged Brain and Visual System. J Aging Sci 2021; Vol 9:001. [PMID: 34765681 PMCID: PMC8580311] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence currently indicate that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) gains entry into human host cells via a high-affinity interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) transmembrane receptor. Research has further shown the widespread expression of the ACE2 receptor on the surface of many different immune, non-immune and neural host cell types, and that SARS-CoV-2 has the remarkable capability to attack many different types of human-host cells simultaneously. One principal neuroanatomical region for high ACE2 expression patterns occurs in the brainstem, an area of the brain containing regulatory centers for respiration, and this may in part explain the predisposition of many COVID-19 patients to respiratory distress. Early studies also indicated extensive ACE2 expression in the whole eye and the brain's visual circuitry in aged humans. In this study we analyzed ACE2 receptor expression at the mRNA and protein level in multiple cell types involved in human vision, including cell types of the external eye and several deep brain regions known to be involved in the processing of visual signals. Here we provide evidence: (i) that many different optical and neural cell types of the human visual system provide receptors essential for SARS-CoV-2 invasion; (ii) of the remarkable ubiquity of ACE2 presence in cells of the eye and anatomical regions of the brain involved in visual signal processing; (iii) that ACE2 receptor expression in different ocular cell types and visual processing centers of the brain provide multiple compartments for SARS-CoV-2 infiltration; and (iv) of a gradient of increasing ACE2 expression from the anterior surface of the eye to the visual signal processing areas of the occipital lobe and the primary visual neocortex. A gradient of ACE2 expression from the eye surface to the occipital lobe may provide the SARS-CoV-2 virus a novel pathway from the outer eye into deeper anatomical regions of the brain involved in vision. These findings may explain, in part, the many recently reported neuro-ophthalmic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection in COVID-19 affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M. Hill
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, New Orleans, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA,Department of Pharmacology, LSU Health Science Center, New Orleans, USA,Department of Microbiology, LSU Health Science Center, New Orleans, USA
| | - Christian Clement
- Experimental Therapeutics and Human Toxicology Lab, Southern University, New Orleans, USA
| | - L. Arceneaux
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, New Orleans, USA
| | - Walter J. Lukiw
- LSU Neuroscience Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences, New Orleans, USA,Department of Ophthalmology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA,Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, USA
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Curreli F, Victor SMB, Ahmed S, Drelich A, Tong X, Tseng CK, Hillyer CD, Debnath AK. Stapled Peptides Based on Human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Potently Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Infection In Vitro. mBio 2020; 11:e02451-20. [PMID: 33310780 DOI: 10.1128/mBio.02451-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 uses human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as the primary receptor to enter host cells and initiate the infection. The critical binding region of ACE2 is an ∼30-amino-acid (aa)-long helix. Here, we report the design of four stapled peptides based on the ACE2 helix, which is expected to bind to SARS-CoV-2 and prevent the binding of the virus to the ACE2 receptor and disrupt the infection. All stapled peptides showed high helical contents (50 to 94% helicity). In contrast, the linear control peptide NYBSP-C showed no helicity (19%). We have evaluated the peptides in a pseudovirus-based single-cycle assay in HT1080/ACE2 cells and human lung cell line A549/ACE2, overexpressing ACE2. Three of the four stapled peptides showed potent antiviral activity in HT1080/ACE2 (50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]: 1.9 to 4.1 μM) and A549/ACE2 (IC50: 2.2 to 2.8 μM) cells. The linear peptide NYBSP-C and the double-stapled peptide StRIP16, used as controls, showed no antiviral activity. Most significantly, none of the stapled peptides show any cytotoxicity at the highest dose tested. We also evaluated the antiviral activity of the peptides by infecting Vero E6 cells with the replication-competent authentic SARS-CoV-2 (US_WA-1/2020). NYBSP-1 was the most efficient, preventing the complete formation of cytopathic effects (CPEs) at an IC100 of 17.2 μM. NYBSP-2 and NYBSP-4 also prevented the formation of the virus-induced CPE with an IC100 of about 33 μM. We determined the proteolytic stability of one of the most active stapled peptides, NYBSP-4, in human plasma, which showed a half-life (T 1/2) of >289 min.IMPORTANCE SARS-CoV-2 is a novel virus with many unknowns. No vaccine or specific therapy is available yet to prevent and treat this deadly virus. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutics. Structural studies revealed critical interactions between the binding site helix of the ACE2 receptor and SARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain (RBD). Therefore, targeting the entry pathway of SARS-CoV-2 is ideal for both prevention and treatment as it blocks the first step of the viral life cycle. We report the design of four double-stapled peptides, three of which showed potent antiviral activity in HT1080/ACE2 cells and human lung carcinoma cells, A549/ACE2. Most significantly, the active stapled peptides with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 showed high α-helicity (60 to 94%). The most active stapled peptide, NYBSP-4, showed substantial resistance to degradation by proteolytic enzymes in human plasma. The lead stapled peptides are expected to pave the way for further optimization of a clinical candidate.
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Abstract
The oral cavity, as the entry point to the body, may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection that has caused a global outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Available data indicate that the oral cavity may be an active site of infection and an important reservoir of SARS-CoV-2. Considering that the oral surfaces are colonized by a diverse microbial community, it is likely that viruses have interactions with the host microbiota. Patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 may have alterations in the oral and gut microbiota, while oral species have been found in the lung of COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, interactions between the oral, lung, and gut microbiomes appear to occur dynamically whereby a dysbiotic oral microbial community could influence respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. However, it is unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection can alter the local homeostasis of the resident microbiota, actively cause dysbiosis, or influence cross-body sites interactions. Here, we provide a conceptual framework on the potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 oral infection on the local and distant microbiomes across the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts ('oral-tract axes'), which remains largely unexplored. Studies in this area could further elucidate the pathogenic mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 and the course of infection as well as the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 across different sites in the human host.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenting Xiang
- Biofilm Research Labs, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics, Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Oral Disease & Human Saliva Laboratory & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hyun Koo
- Biofilm Research Labs, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics, Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qianming Chen
- Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Disease & Human Saliva Laboratory & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Biofilm Research Labs, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics, Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Aurea Simon-Soro
- Biofilm Research Labs, Levy Center for Oral Health, Department of Orthodontics, Divisions of Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Saadah LM, Deiab GIA, Al-Balas Q, Basheti IA. Carnosine to Combat Novel Coronavirus (nCoV): Molecular Docking and Modeling to Cocrystallized Host Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) and Viral Spike Protein. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25235605. [PMID: 33260592 PMCID: PMC7730390 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25235605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims: Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an important role in the entry of coronaviruses into host cells. The current paper described how carnosine, a naturally occurring supplement, can be an effective drug candidate for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) on the basis of molecular docking and modeling to host ACE2 cocrystallized with nCoV spike protein. Methods: First, the starting point was ACE2 inhibitors and their structure–activity relationship (SAR). Next, chemical similarity (or diversity) and PubMed searches made it possible to repurpose and assess approved or experimental drugs for COVID-19. Parallel, at all stages, the authors performed bioactivity scoring to assess potential repurposed inhibitors at ACE2. Finally, investigators performed molecular docking and modeling of the identified drug candidate to host ACE2 with nCoV spike protein. Results: Carnosine emerged as the best-known drug candidate to match ACE2 inhibitor structure. Preliminary docking was more optimal to ACE2 than the known typical angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) inhibitor (enalapril) and quite comparable to known or presumed ACE2 inhibitors. Viral spike protein elements binding to ACE2 were retained in the best carnosine pose in SwissDock at 1.75 Angstroms. Out of the three main areas of attachment expected to the protein–protein structure, carnosine bound with higher affinity to two compared to the known ACE2 active site. LibDock score was 92.40 for site 3, 90.88 for site 1, and inside the active site 85.49. Conclusion: Carnosine has promising inhibitory interactions with host ACE2 and nCoV spike protein and hence could offer a potential mitigating effect against the current COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loai M. Saadah
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +962-79-822-2044
| | | | - Qosay Al-Balas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University for Science & Technology, 22110 Irbid, Jordan;
| | - Iman A. Basheti
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Applied Science Private University, 11931 Amman, Jordan;
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia
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Shen M, Liu C, Xu R, Ruan Z, Zhao S, Zhang H, Wang W, Huang X, Yang L, Tang Y, Yang T, Jia X. Predicting the Animal Susceptibility and Therapeutic Drugs to SARS-CoV-2 Based on Spike Glycoprotein Combined With ACE2. Front Genet 2020; 11:575012. [PMID: 33193684 PMCID: PMC7645152 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.575012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, a few animals have been frequently reported to have been diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Whether they are SARS-CoV-2 intermediate hosts is worthy of great attention. The interaction of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and its acceptor protein ACE2 is an important issue in determining viral host range and cross-species infection, while the binding capacity of Spike protein to ACE2 of different species is unknown. Here, we used the atomic structure model of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 to assess the receptor utilization capacity of ACE2s from 10 kinds of animals. Results show that chimpanzees, domestic cats and cattles are more susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2. Cats in particular, such as pet cats and stray cats, interact very closely with humans, implying the necessity to carefully evaluate the risk of cats during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, based on ACE2(cats)-SARS-CoV-2-RBD model, through high-throughput screening methods using a pool of 30,000 small molecules, eight compounds were selected for binding free energy calculations. All the eight compounds can effectively interfere with the binding of ACE2 and Spike protein, especially Nelfinavir, providing drug candidates for the treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting further assessment of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of these compounds in cell culture. Although we only reported the results of the simulation, and more laboratory and epidemiological investigation are required. Like cats are a risk factor, we can further detect SARS-CoV-2 according to the susceptibility of different animals, find the potential host of infection, and completely cut off the living space of the virus. Especially, cats could be a choice of animal model for screening antiviral drugs or vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Shen
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Run Xu
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zijing Ruan
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiying Zhao
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Huidong Zhang
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Wang
- West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinhe Huang
- School of Life Sciences and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yang
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Yong Tang
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Tai Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xu Jia
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
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Abstract
The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor for the three coronaviruses HCoV-NL63, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2. ACE2 is involved in the regulation of the renin-angiotensin system and blood pressure. ACE2 is also involved in the regulation of several signaling pathways, including integrin signaling. ACE2 expression is regulated transcriptionally and post-transcriptionally. The expression of the gene is regulated by two promoters, with usage varying among tissues. ACE2 expression is greatest in the small intestine, kidney, and heart and detectable in a variety of tissues and cell types. Herein we review the chemical and mechanical signal transduction pathways regulating the expression of the ACE2 gene and the epigenetic/chromatin features of the expressed gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasnim H Beacon
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Geneviève P Delcuve
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - James R Davie
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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Aleksova A, Ferro F, Gagno G, Cappelletto C, Santon D, Rossi M, Ippolito G, Zumla A, Beltrami AP, Sinagra G. COVID-19 and renin-angiotensin system inhibition: role of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) - Is there any scientific evidence for controversy? J Intern Med 2020; 288:410-421. [PMID: 32459372 PMCID: PMC7283873 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers are extensively used worldwide to treat many cardiovascular disorders, where they are effective in reducing both mortality and morbidity. These drugs are known to induce an increased expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). ACE2 acts as receptor for the novel SARS coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) which raising the important issue of possible detrimental effects that RAS blockers could exert on the natural history and pathogenesis of the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) and associated excessive inflammation, myocarditis and cardiac arrhythmias. We review the current knowledge on the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 infection and RAS blockers and suggest a scientific rationale for continuing RAS blockers therapy in patients with COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Aleksova
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - F Ferro
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Gagno
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - C Cappelletto
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - D Santon
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - M Rossi
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - G Ippolito
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK.,National Institute of Health Research, Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - G Sinagra
- From the, Cardiothoracovascular Department, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina (ASUGI), University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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46
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Wang Q, Qiu Y, Li JY, Liao CH, Zhou ZJ, Ge XY. Receptor utilization of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) indicates a narrower host range of SARS-CoV-2 than that of SARS-CoV. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:1046-1053. [PMID: 32794346 PMCID: PMC7436551 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus (CoV) pandemics have become a huge threat to the public health worldwide in the recent decades. Typically, severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS‐CoV) caused SARS pandemic in 2003 and SARS‐CoV‐2 caused the ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic. Both viruses are most likely originated from bats. Thus, direct or indirect inter‐species transmission from bats to humans is required for the viruses to cause pandemics. Receptor utilization is a key factor determining the host range of viruses which is critical to the inter‐species transmission. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the receptor of both SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2, but only ACE2s of certain animals can be utilized by the viruses. Here, we employed pseudovirus cell‐entry assay to evaluate the receptor‐utilizing capability of ACE2s of 20 animals by the two viruses and found that SARS‐CoV‐2 utilized less ACE2s than SARS‐CoV, indicating a narrower host range of SARS‐CoV‐2. Especially, SARS‐CoV‐2 tended not to use murine or non‐mammal ACE2s. Meanwhile, pangolin‐CoV, another SARS‐related coronavirus highly homologous to SARS‐CoV‐2 in its genome, yet showed similar ACE2 utilization profile with SARS‐CoV rather than SARS‐CoV‐2. Nevertheless, the actual susceptibility of these animals to the coronaviruses should be further verified by in vivo studies. To clarify the mechanism underlying the receptor utilization, we compared the amino acid sequences of the 20 ACE2s and found 5 amino acid residues potentially critical for ACE2 utilization, including the N‐terminal 20th and 42nd amino acid residues that might determine the different receptor utilization of SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2 and pangolin‐CoV. Our studies enhance the understanding of receptor utilization of pandemic coronaviruses, potentially contributing to the virus tracing, intermediate host screening and epidemic prevention for pathogenic coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Ye Qiu
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Jin-Yan Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Ce-Heng Liao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhi-Jian Zhou
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
| | - Xing-Yi Ge
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Virology, Institute of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, College of Biology, Hunan University, Changsha, China
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47
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Silvagno F, Vernone A, Pescarmona GP. The Role of Glutathione in Protecting against the Severe Inflammatory Response Triggered by COVID-19. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9. [PMID: 32708578 PMCID: PMC7402141 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9070624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the world’s population differently: mostly in the presence of conditions such as aging, diabetes and hypertension the virus triggers a lethal cytokine storm and patients die from acute respiratory distress syndrome, whereas in many cases the disease has a mild or even asymptomatic progression. A common denominator in all conditions associated with COVID-19 appears to be the impaired redox homeostasis responsible for reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation; therefore, levels of glutathione (GSH), the key anti-oxidant guardian in all tissues, could be critical in extinguishing the exacerbated inflammation that triggers organ failure in COVID-19. The present review provides a biochemical investigation of the mechanisms leading to deadly inflammation in severe COVID-19, counterbalanced by GSH. The pathways competing for GSH are described to illustrate the events concurring to cause a depletion of endogenous GSH stocks. Drawing on evidence from literature that demonstrates the reduced levels of GSH in the main conditions clinically associated with severe disease, we highlight the relevance of restoring GSH levels in the attempt to protect the most vulnerable subjects from severe symptoms of COVID-19. Finally, we discuss the current data about the feasibility of increasing GSH levels, which could be used to prevent and subdue the disease.
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Bourgonje AR, Abdulle AE, Timens W, Hillebrands JL, Navis GJ, Gordijn SJ, Bolling MC, Dijkstra G, Voors AA, Osterhaus AD, van der Voort PH, Mulder DJ, van Goor H. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), SARS-CoV-2 and the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). J Pathol 2020; 251:228-248. [PMID: 32418199 PMCID: PMC7276767 DOI: 10.1002/path.5471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 636] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.0] [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: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) has been established as the functional host receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the current devastating worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ACE2 is abundantly expressed in a variety of cells residing in many different human organs. In human physiology, ACE2 is a pivotal counter-regulatory enzyme to ACE by the breakdown of angiotensin II, the central player in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and the main substrate of ACE2. Many factors have been associated with both altered ACE2 expression and COVID-19 severity and progression, including age, sex, ethnicity, medication, and several co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Although ACE2 is widely distributed in various human tissues and many of its determinants have been well recognised, ACE2-expressing organs do not equally participate in COVID-19 pathophysiology, implying that other mechanisms are involved in orchestrating cellular infection resulting in tissue damage. Reports of pathologic findings in tissue specimens of COVID-19 patients are rapidly emerging and confirm the established role of ACE2 expression and activity in disease pathogenesis. Identifying pathologic changes caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucially important as it has major implications for understanding COVID-19 pathophysiology and the development of evidence-based treatment strategies. Currently, many interventional strategies are being explored in ongoing clinical trials, encompassing many drug classes and strategies, including antiviral drugs, biological response modifiers, and RAAS inhibitors. Ultimately, prevention is key to combat COVID-19 and appropriate measures are being taken accordingly, including development of effective vaccines. In this review, we describe the role of ACE2 in COVID-19 pathophysiology, including factors influencing ACE2 expression and activity in relation to COVID-19 severity. In addition, we discuss the relevant pathological changes resulting from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Finally, we highlight a selection of potential treatment modalities for COVID-19. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arno R Bourgonje
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Amaal E Abdulle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Timens
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan-Luuk Hillebrands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerjan J Navis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Gordijn
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke C Bolling
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard Dijkstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan A Voors
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Dme Osterhaus
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Hj van der Voort
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Douwe J Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Vascular Medicine, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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49
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Cheng H, Wang Y, Wang G. Organ-protective effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and its effect on the prognosis of COVID-19. J Med Virol 2020; 92:726-730. [PMID: 32221983 PMCID: PMC7317908 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.3] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the correlation between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and severe risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the possible mechanisms. ACE2 is a crucial component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The classical RAS ACE-Ang II-AT1R regulatory axis and the ACE2-Ang 1-7-MasR counter-regulatory axis play an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in humans. ACE2 is widely distributed in the heart, kidneys, lungs, and testes. ACE2 antagonizes the activation of the classical RAS system and protects against organ damage, protecting against hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Similar to SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 also uses the ACE2 receptor to invade human alveolar epithelial cells. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a clinical high-mortality disease, and ACE2 has a protective effect on this type of acute lung injury. Current research shows that the poor prognosis of patients with COVID-19 is related to factors such as sex (male), age (>60 years), underlying diseases (hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease), secondary ARDS, and other relevant factors. Because of these protective effects of ACE2 on chronic underlying diseases and ARDS, the development of spike protein-based vaccine and drugs enhancing ACE2 activity may become one of the most promising approaches for the treatment of COVID-19 in the future.
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MESH Headings
- Age Factors
- Angiotensin I/therapeutic use
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use
- Betacoronavirus/drug effects
- Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity
- COVID-19
- Cardiovascular Diseases/complications
- Cardiovascular Diseases/drug therapy
- Cardiovascular Diseases/epidemiology
- Cardiovascular Diseases/genetics
- Coronavirus Infections/complications
- Coronavirus Infections/drug therapy
- Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
- Coronavirus Infections/genetics
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Host-Pathogen Interactions/genetics
- Humans
- Pandemics
- Peptide Fragments/therapeutic use
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/genetics
- Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A/metabolism
- Pneumonia, Viral/complications
- Pneumonia, Viral/drug therapy
- Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Viral/genetics
- Prognosis
- Proto-Oncogene Mas
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptors, Virus/genetics
- Receptors, Virus/metabolism
- SARS-CoV-2
- Sex Factors
- Signal Transduction
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/genetics
- Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Liver DiseasesPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Liver DiseasesPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Gui‐Qiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and the Center for Liver DiseasesPeking University First HospitalBeijingChina
- The Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious DiseasesZhejiang UniversityHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of Liver DiseasesPeking University International HospitalBeijingChina
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Rehman SU, Tabish M. Alternative splicing of ACE2 possibly generates variants that may limit the entry of SARS-CoV-2: a potential therapeutic approach using SSOs. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:1143-50. [PMID: 32442315 DOI: 10.1042/CS20200419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) plays an essential role in maintaining the balance of the renin-angiotensin system and also serves as a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HCoV-NL63. Following the recent outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 infection, there has been an urgent need to develop therapeutic interventions. ACE2 is a potential target for many treatment approaches for the SARS-CoV-2. With the help of bioinformatics, we have predicted several novel exons of the human ACE2 gene. The inclusion of novel exons located in the 5'UTR/intronic region in the mature transcript may remove the critical ACE2 residues responsible for the interaction with the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2, thus preventing their binding and entry into the cell. Additionally, inclusion of a novel predicted exons located in the 3'UTR by alternative splicing may remove the C-terminal transmembrane domain of ACE2 and generate soluble ACE2 isoforms. Splice-switching antisense oligonucleotides (SSOs) have been employed effectively as a therapeutic strategy in several disease conditions. Alternative splicing of the ACE2 gene could similarly be modulated using SSOs to exclude critical domains required for the entry of SARS-CoV-2. Strategies can also be designed to deliver these SSOs directly to the lungs in order to minimize the damage caused by SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
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