Unveiling the DHX15-G-patch interplay in retroviral RNA packaging.

We explored how a simple retrovirus, Mason-Pfizer monkey virus (M-PMV) to facilitate its replication process, utilizes DHX15, a cellular RNA helicase, typically engaged in RNA processing. Through advanced genetic engineering techniques, we showed that M-PMV recruits DHX15 by mimicking cellular mechanisms, relocating it from the nucleus to the cytoplasm to aid in viral assembly. This interaction is essential for the correct packaging of the viral genome and critical for its infectivity.

Biochemical characterization of naturally occurring mutations in SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase.

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, mutations in all subunits of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of the virus have been repeatedly reported. Although RdRp represents a primary target for antiviral drugs, experimental studies exploring the phenotypic effect of these mutations have been limited. This study focuses on the phenotypic effects of substitutions in the three RdRp subunits: nsp7, nsp8, and nsp12, selected based on their occurrence rate and potential impact.

Developing Allosteric Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase.

The use of Fpocket and virtual screening techniques enabled us to identify potential allosteric druggable pockets within the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Of the compounds screened, compound 1 was identified as a promising inhibitor, lowering a SARS-CoV-2 RdRp activity to 57 % in an enzymatic assay at 10 μM concentration. The structure of compound 1 was subsequently optimized in order to preserve or enhance inhibitory activity.

PEGylated Molybdenum-Iodine Nanocluster as a Promising Radiodynamic Agent against Prostatic Adenocarcinoma.

The combination of photodynamic therapy and radiotherapy has given rise to a modality called radiodynamic therapy (RDT), based on reactive oxygen species-producing radiosensitizers. The production of singlet oxygen, O(Δ), by octahedral molybdenum (Mo) clusters upon X-ray irradiation allows for simplification of the architecture of radiosensitizing systems. In this context, we prepared a radiosensitizing system using copper-free click chemistry between a Mo cluster bearing azido ligands and the homo-bifunctional linker bis-dPEG-DBCO.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Prague wastewater determined by nanopore-based sequencing.

The early detection of upcoming disease outbreaks is essential to avoid both health and economic damage. The last four years of COVID-19 pandemic have proven wastewater-based epidemiology is a reliable system for monitoring the spread of SARS-CoV-2, a causative agent of COVID-19, in an urban population. As this monitoring enables the identification of the prevalence of spreading variants of SARS-CoV-2, it could provide a critical tool in the fight against this viral disease.