[Antiviral activity of basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract against SARS-CоV-2 virus (Coronaviridae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus) in vivo in BALB/c mice model]

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic combined with seasonal epidemics of respiratory viral diseases requires targeted antiviral prophylaxis with restorative and immunostimulant drugs. The compounds of natural origin are low-toxic, but active against several viruses at the same time. One of the most famous compounds is Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract. The fruit body of basidial fungus I. obliquus is called Chaga mushroom. The aim of the work ‒ was to study the antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract sample (#20-17) was analyzed against strain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron ВА.5.2 virus. The experiments were carried out in BALB/c inbred mice. The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured using quantitative real-time PCR combined with reverse transcription. The severity of lung tissue damage was assessed by histological methods.

RESULTS

The peak values of the viral load in murine lung tissues were determined 72 hours after intranasal inoculation at dose of 2,85 lg TCID50. The quantitative real-time PCR testing has shown a significant decrease in the viral load compared to the control group by 4,65 lg copies/ml and 5,72 lg copies/ml in the lung tissue and nasal cavity samples, respectively. Histological methods revealed that the decrease in the number and frequency of observed pathomorphological changes in murine lung tissues depended on the introduction of the compound under study.

CONCLUSION

The results obtained indicate the possibility of using basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract as a preventive agent against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

An experimental study of the effects of SNPs in the TATA boxes of the <i>GRIN1, ASCL3</i> and <i>NOS1</i> genes on interactions with the TATA-binding protein

The GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes are associated with various phenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, these genes contribute to the development of schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and epilepsy. These genes are also associated with various cancers. For example, ASCL3 is overexpressed in breast cancer, and NOS1, in ovarian cancer cell lines. Based on our findings and literature data, we had previously obtained results suggesting that the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that disrupt erythropoiesis are highly likely to be associated with cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. In the present work, using SNP_TATA_Z-tester, we investigated the influence of unannotated SNPs in the TATA boxes of the promoters of the GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes (which are involved in neuropsychiatric disorders and cancers) on the interaction of the TATA boxes with the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides identical to the TATA-containing promoter regions of the GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes (reference and minor alleles) and recombinant human TBP were employed to study in vitro (by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay) kinetic characteristics of the formation of TBP–TATA complexes and their affinity. It was found, for example, that allele A of rs1402667001 in the GRIN1 promoter increases TBP–TATA affinity 1.4-fold, whereas allele C in the TATA box of the ASCL3 promoter decreases the affinity 1.4-fold. The lifetime of the complexes in both cases decreased by ~20 % due to changes in the rates of association and dissociation of the complexes (ka and kd, respectively). Our experimental results are consistent with the literature showing GRIN1 underexpression in schizophrenic disorders as well as an increased risk of cervical, bladder, and kidney cancers and lymphoma during ASCL3 underexpression. The effect of allele A of the –27G>A SNP (rs1195040887) in the NOS1 promoter is suggestive of an increased risk of ischemic damage to the brain in carriers. A comparison of experimental TBP–TATA affinity values (KD) of wild-type and minor alleles with predicted ones showed that the data correlate well (linear correlation coefficient r = 0.94, p < 0.01).

[Candidate SNP-markers altering TBP binding affinity for promoters of the Y-linked genes CDY2A, SHOX, and ZFY are lowering many indexes of reproductive potential in men]

Репродуктивный потенциал – уровень физического и психического состояния организма, позволяю- щий при достижении социальной зрелости воспроизводить здоровое потомство. В узком биомедицинском смыс- ле определение включает комплекс функциональных показателей репродуктивной системы, но в более широком смысле его можно рассматривать как совокупность физиологических, поведенческих, адаптивных, ментальных, ан- тропометрических и генетических характеристик особи, способствующих размножению. Целью настоящей работы было расширить область применимости созданного ранее Web-сервиса SNP_TATA_Z-tester для поиска кандидатных маркеров однонуклеотидного полиморфизма (SNP) на хромосоме Y человека, связанных с мужским репродуктив- ным потенциалом (МРП). В поиске кандидатных SNP-маркеров для МРП мы сосредоточились на генах хромосомы Y человека. Изучены 35 SNP в промоторах генов CDY2A, SHOX и ZFY, представляющих все три типа генов хромосомы Y человека: уникальный, псевдоаутосомный и паралог гена хромосомы X человека соответственно. Предсказаны 11 кандидатных SNP-маркеров ослабления МРП из-за изменения сродства TATA-связывающего белка (TBP) к этим промоторам. Выборочно верифицированы in vitro величины сродства «TBP-промотор», предсказанные в этой рабо- те. Установлена достоверная корреляция (r = 0.94, p < 0.005) между ними и результатами измерения in vitro сродства ТВР человека к олигонуклеотидам, идентичным сайтам ТВР-связывания исследуемых промоторов. Проведя поиск в базе данных PubMed по ключевым словам, мы нашли клиническое описание патологических состояний человека, соответствующих изменению экспрессии генов, несущих предсказанные нами кандидатные SNP-маркеры. Среди них оказались такие патологии, как нарушение сперматогенеза (ZFY: rs1388535808 и rs996955491), задержка поло- вого созревания (CDY2A: rs200670724), нарушения эмбриогенеза (SHOX: rs28378830) и непропорционально низкий рост с деформациями Маделунга (SHOX: rs1452787381). Они свидетельствуют, что в случае SNP-промоторов генов хромосомы Y человека следует ожидать изменений широкого круга показателей МРП, выходящих далеко за рамки генетического контроля собственно мужской репродуктивной функции.

Сandidate SNP-markers of rheumatoid arthritis that can significantly alter the affinity of the TATA-binding protein for human gene promoters

Rheumatoid polyarthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease with autoantibodies, including antibodies to citrullant antigens and proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6, which are involved in the induction of chronic synovitis, bone erosion, followed by deformity. Immunopathogenesis is based on the mechanisms of the breakdown of immune tolerance to its own antigens, which is characterized by an increase in the activity of T-effector cells, causing RA symptomatology. At the same time, against the background of such increased activity of effector lymphocytes, a decrease in the activity of a number of regulatory cells, including regulatory T-cells (Treg) and myeloid suppressor cells, is recorded. There is reason to say that it is the change in the activity of suppressor cells that is the leading element in RA pathogenesis. That is why only periods of weakening (remission) of RA are spoken of. According to the more powerful female immune system compared to the male one, the risk of developing RA in women is thrice as high, this risk decreases during breastfeeding and grows during pregnancy as well as after menopause in proportion to the level of sex hormones. It is believed that 50 % of the risk of developing RA depends on the conditions and lifestyle, while the remaining 50 % is dependent on genetic predisposition. That is why, RA fits the main idea of postgenomic predictive-preventive personalized medicine that is to give a chance to those who would like to reduce his/her risk of diseases by bringing his/her conditions and lifestyle in line with the data on his/her genome sequenced. This is very important, since doctors consider RA as one of the most frequent causes of disability. Using the Web service SNP_TATA_Z-tester (http://beehive.bionet.nsc.ru/cgi-bin/mgs/tatascan_fox/start.pl), 227 variants of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the human gene promoters were studied. As a result, 43 candidate SNP markers for RA that can alter the affinity of the TATA-binding protein (TBP) for the promoters of these genes were predicted.

[TATA box polymorphisms in genes of commercial and laboratory animals and plants associated with selectively valuable traits]

Most of more than 11 million experimentally established polymorphisms, accumulated in dbSNP, were identified in the intergenic spacers or coding DNA regions. This fact enables interpretation of the former polymorphisms as neutral, while the latter make clear the biological sense of the associated mutant phenotypes, "the defect of certain proteins". The association of polymorphisms in regulatory DNA regions with mutant phenotypes is poorly studied. Specifically, the defects in certain DNA/protein binding sites were identified in less than 500 cases. In TATA-containing genes of eukaryotes the TATA box, the TBP (TATA-binding protein) binding site, is located about 30 bp upstream from the transcription start site. Interaction between DNA and TBP triggers assemblage of the preinitiation complex. For 37 TATA box polymorphisms in the genes of commercial and laboratory animals and plants, the effect on TBP-binding activity was evaluated using the equilibrium equation for the four subsequent steps of TBP/TATA box binding (nonspecific binding <----> sliding <----> recognition <----> stabilization). According to the GenBank data, these 37 polymorphisms were associated with the changes in a number of selectively valuable traits. Statistically significant congruence of in silico analysis performed with mutant phenotypes (a < 0.05, binomial law) provides suggestion of the mechanism of phenotypic manifestation of these polymorphisms (changing of the TBP-binding activity), as well a validates the possibility of developing the universal test system for experimental-computer prediction of the effects of TATA box mutations in specified genes on selectively valuable traits of the species, varieties, and breeds.

TATA box polymorphisms in human gene promoters and associated hereditary pathologies

TATA-binding protein (TBP) is the first basal factor that recognizes and binds a TATA box on TATA-containing gene promoters transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Data available in the literature are indicative of admissible variability of the TATA box. The TATA box flanking sequences can influence TBP affinity as well as the level of basal and activated transcription. The possibility of mediated involvement in in vivo gene expression regulation of the TBP interactions with variant TATA boxes is supported by data on TATA box polymorphisms and associated human hereditary pathologies. A table containing data on TATA element polymorphisms in human gene promoters (about 40 mutations have been described), associated with particular pathologies, their short functional characteristics, and manifestation mechanisms of TATA-box SNPs is presented. Four classes of polymorphisms are considered: TATA box polymorphisms that weaken and enhance promoter, polymorphisms causing TATA box emergence and disappearance, and human virus TATA box polymorphisms. The described examples are indicative of the polymorphism-associated severe pathologies like thalassemia, the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, sensitivity to H. pylori infection, oral cavity and lung cancers, arterial hypertension, etc.

[Prognosis of affinity change of the TATA-binding protein to TATA-boxes upon polymorphisms of the human gene promoter TATA boxes]

TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a subunit of basal transcription factor TFIID that recognizes and binds to the TATA-box on TATA-containing promoters of class II genes, and starts assembling RNA polymerase II basal transcription complex. It is shown in many works that the sequence of TATA-box with its flanking regions affects the level of basal and activated transcription. TATA-box polymorphisms and human hereditary diseases associated with them show that TBP/TATA interaction may indirectly affect gene regulation in vivo. The object of this work is to determine changes in the TBP/TATA affinity upon polymorphisms in TATA-boxes of human gene promoters. We assess changes in TBP/TATA affinities in silico by using our formula of equilibrium TBP/TATA binding upon four consecutive steps: nonspecific binding <--> sliding <--> braking (stopping) <--> stabilization. Our prognoses agree with known examples of TATA-box polymorphisms and human hereditary diseases associated with them.

Photoanalogues of the initiation substrates of the RNA polymerase II, 5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyl derivatives of the ATP gamma-amidophosphate: the possible photoinduced degradation of the functional group to an N-arylhydroxylamine

Photoanlogues of the initiation substrates of the RNA polymerase II, N3ArNH(CH2)(n)NHpppA where N3Ar is 5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyl group (n = 2 or 4) were synthesized, allowing the preparation of photoreactive oligonucleotides in situ by RNA polymerase II for application as photolabels. Photolysis of p-nitro-substituted aromatic azide in aqueous medium was investigated. Using the azoxy-coupling reaction it was possible to determine whether a nitrene or p-nitrophenyl hydroxylamine azoxy compound is the trappable intermediate that is generated at ambient temperature in aqueous solution.

[Interaction of proteins from general transcription complex RNA polymerase II with oligoribonucleotides]

We have analyzed an interaction of the general transcription complex RNA polymerase II proteins (RNA polymerase II, factors TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF, TFIIE and TFIIH) S. cerevisiae with the oligoribonucleotides. With the help of method EMSA was shown that labeled 32P labeled oligoribonucleotide 5'-ACUCUCUUCCGCAUCGC-3' (r-17) binds with the proteins and generates three species of the complexes with the three major shifts. All the three species of the complexes are RNA specific because a total RNA S. cerevisiae was a competitor for all three species but the TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide (500-fold molar excess) was not a competitor for its. Complexes 32P-r-17 with the proteins belonging to the middle shift are the sequence specific because unlabeled r-17 was a competitor for its binding (100-fold molar excess) but unlabeled UA-rich oligoribonucleotide (5'-AUAUUAUGUUCAAAA-3) was not a competitor for this shift (500-fold molar excess). Complexes belonging to the upper shift are RNA specific probably. We think 32P-r-17 interaction with the proteins belonging to the under shift is nonspecific corresponding to a sorbtion of 32P-r-17 on a protein. The data presented demonstrate that oligoribonucleotide and oligodeoxyribonucleotide don't compete for the binding sites on a basal transcription complex proteins.

[Interaction of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein]

Interaction with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein (TBP) was analyzed for natural Escherichia coli RNA polymerase or the recombinant holoenzyme, minimal enzyme, or its sigma subunit. Upon preincubation of full-sized RNA polymerase with TBP and further incubation with a constant amount of 32P-labeled phosphamide derivative of a TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide, the yield of the holoenzyme-oligonucleotide covalent complex decreased with increasing TBP concentration. This was considered as indirect evidence for complexing of RNA polymerase with TBP. In gel retardation assays, the holoenzyme, but neither minimal enzyme nor the sigma subunit, interacted with TPB, since the labeled probe formed complexes with both proteins in the reaction mixture combining TBP with the minimal enzyme or the sigma subunit. It was assumed that E. coli RNA polymerase is functionally similar to eukaryotic RNA polymerase II, and that the complete ensemble of all subunits is essential for the specific function of the holoenzyme.

[Reagents for modification of protein-nucleic complexes. III. Site-specific photomodification of elongation complex of DNA polymerase beta with arylazide derivatives of primers sensitized with fluorescent ATP gamma-amide]

ATP gamma-amides containing in gamma-N-position 1-methylpyrene, 9-methylanthracene, 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene, and 3-methylperylene residues were synthesized and characterized. These compounds were used as sensitizers of site-specific photomodification of the reconstituted elongating complex of the mammalian DNA polymerase beta. The photomodification was carried out with the use of photoaffine reagents, which were synthesized in situ by the 5'-(32)P-labeled primers extension with photoactive analogues of dCTP containing in the exo-N-position of cytosine various perfluoroarylazide groups. The effect of structures of the sensitizers and photoactive reagents on the efficiency and selectivity of photolinking of primers to the enzyme and template, as well as formation of a number of other photomodification products was studied. It was shown that the sensitizers containing 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene and 3-methylperylene residues allow preparation of photolinks in such irradiation conditions when photomodification in their absence is not essentially observed.

[Reagents for modification of protein-nucleic acids complexes. II. Site-specific photomodification of DNA-polymerase beta complexes with primers elongated by the dCTP exo-N-substituted arylazido derivatives]

Substrate properties of the earlier synthesized and characterized dCTP derivatives bearing in the exo-N-position of cytosine 2-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoylamino)ethyl (I), 2-(2-nitro-5-azidobenzoylamino)ethyl (II), 2-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylideneaminooxymethylcarbonylamino)ethyl (III), 4-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylideneaminooxy)butyloxy (IV), or 4-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylidenehydrazinocarbonyl)butyl- carbonylamino (V) groups were studied in the primer extension reaction catalyzed by rat DNA polymerase beta. Unlike the earlier results obtained with HIV reverse transcriptase, dCTP derivatives (I)-(III) were not recognized by rat DNA polymerase beta as dTTP analogues, and all the five nucleotides were utilized as dCTP analogues. When compared with dCTP, Km values for the synthesized dCTP derivatives were higher by a factor of 4-20; Vmax were 1-2.3 times higher for (I)-(III) and (V) but 20-fold lower for derivative (IV). Site-specific photomodifications of the primer-template-DNA polymerase beta complexes were carried out using photoreactive reagents PRI-PRV, obtained in situ by extension of 5'-32P-labeled primers with dCTP analogues (I)-(V), respectively, when exposed to UV irradiation at 303-313 nm. Reagents PRI and PRIV provided the maximum photocrosslinking of the 5'-32P-labeled primer to the DNA template (56%) and to the enzyme (20%), respectively. The lowest efficiency of photocrosslinking was observed for PRII (about 1%).