We investigated compounds selected by molecular docking to identify a specific treatment for COVID-19 that decreases the interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2. Five compounds that interact with ACE2 amino acids Gln24, Asp30, His34, Tyr41, Gln42, Met82, Lys353, and Arg357 were evaluated using specific binding assays for their effects on the interaction between ACE2 with RBD. The compound labeled ED demonstrated favorable ACE2-binding, with an IC of 31.95 μM. ED cytotoxicity, evaluated using PC3 cells in an MTT assay, was consistent with the low theoretical toxicity previously reported. We propose that ED mainly interacts with His34, Glu37, and Lys353 in ACE2 and that it has an inhibitory effect on the interaction of ACE2 with the RBD of the S-protein. We recommend further investigation to develop ED into a potential drug or adjuvant in COVID-19 treatment.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
---|---|
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8325380 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.104719 | DOI Listing |
Pept Sci (Hoboken)
November 2024
Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology/Oncology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, United States of America.
The COVID-19 pandemic drove a uniquely fervent pursuit to explore the potential of peptide, antibody, protein, and small-molecule based antiviral agents against severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The interaction between the SARS-CoV2 spike protein with the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor that mediates viral cell entry was a particularly interesting target given its well described protein-protein interaction (PPI). This PPI is mediated by an α-helical portion of ACE2 binding to the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein and thought to be susceptible to blockade through molecular mimicry.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China.
The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has exerted considerable impact on global health. To prepare for rapidly mutating viruses and for the forthcoming pandemic, effective therapies targeting the critical stages of the viral life cycle need to be developed. Viruses are dependent on the interaction between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral Spike (S) protein (S-RBD) and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor to efficiently establish infection and the following replicate.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Mol Sci
January 2025
Instituto de Pesquisas de Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, RJ, Brazil.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused over 7 million deaths globally in the past four years. spp. (Siparunaceae), which is used in Brazilian folk medicine, is considered a genus with potential antiviral alternatives.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPeerJ
January 2025
Departamento de genética, ecologia e evolução, Laboratório de biologia integrativa, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Background: The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) are central human molecules in the SARS-CoV-2 virus-host interaction. Evidence indicates that may influence expression. This study aims to determine whether ACE1, ACE2, and TMPRSS2 mRNA expression levels, along with the ACE1 Alu 287 bp polymorphism (rs4646994), contribute to the severity and mortality of COVID-19.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Biomol Struct Dyn
January 2025
Laboratory of Biology and Health, URAC 34, Faculty of Sciences, Ben M'Sik Hassan II University of Casablanca, Casablanca, Morocco.
The recent spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to serious concerns about newly emerging infectious coronaviruses. Drug repurposing is a practical method for rapid development of antiviral agents. The viral spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds to its major receptor ACE2 to promote membrane fusion.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFEnter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!