Genomic determinants of Furin cleavage in diverse European SARS-related bat coronaviruses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Lena Sander ◽  
Andres Moreira-Soto ◽  
Stoian Yordanov ◽  
Ivan Toplak ◽  
Andrea Balboni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Rna Viruses ◽  
Viral Quasispecies ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Natural Origin ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Horseshoe Bats

The furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 is unique within the Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SrC) species. We re-assessed diverse SrC from European horseshoe bats and reveal molecular determinants such as purine richness, RNA secondary structures and viral quasispecies potentially enabling furin cleavage. Furin cleavage thus likely emerged from the SrC bat reservoir via molecular mechanisms conserved across reservoir-bound RNA viruses, supporting a natural origin of SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Furin cleavage of the SARS-CoV-2 spike is modulated by O-glycosylation

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (47) ◽  
pp. e2109905118
Author(s):  
Liping Zhang ◽  
Matthew Mann ◽  
Zulfeqhar A. Syed ◽  
Hayley M. Reynolds ◽  
E. Tian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Protein S ◽  
Viral Infectivity ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Respiratory Cells ◽  
Syncytia Formation

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus responsible for the global pandemic contains a novel furin cleavage site in the spike protein (S) that increases viral infectivity and syncytia formation in cells. Here, we show that O-glycosylation near the furin cleavage site is mediated by members of the GALNT enzyme family, resulting in decreased furin cleavage and decreased syncytia formation. Moreover, we show that O-glycosylation is dependent on the novel proline at position 681 (P681). Mutations of P681 seen in the highly transmissible alpha and delta variants abrogate O-glycosylation, increase furin cleavage, and increase syncytia formation. Finally, we show that GALNT family members capable of glycosylating S are expressed in human respiratory cells that are targets for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our results suggest that host O-glycosylation may influence viral infectivity/tropism by modulating furin cleavage of S and provide mechanistic insight into the role of the P681 mutations found in the highly transmissible alpha and delta variants.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Origin: An Affair of Codons?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Ramón Romeu ◽  
Enric Ollé
Keyword(s):  
Human Genome ◽  
Genetic Markers ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Cleavage Sites ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Large Sample ◽  
The Core ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site

The furin cleavage site, with an arginine doublet (RR), is one of the clues of the SARS-CoV-2 origin. This furin-RR is encoded by the CGG-CGG sequence. Because arginine can be encoded by six codons, in a previous work we found that in SARS-CoV-2, CGG was the minority arginine codon (3%). Also, analyzing the RR doublet from a large sample of furin cleavage sites of several kinds of viruses, we found that none of them were encoded by CGG-CGG. Here, we come back to the core of the matter, but from the perspective that in the human genome, in contrast, CGG is the majoroty arginine codon (21%). Here, we highlighted that the 6 arginine codons provide genetic markers to a traceability on the RR origin in the furin site, as well as, to weigh the probability of the theories about the origin of the virus.

scholarly journals Furin-Mediated Cleavage of the Feline Foamy Virus Env Leader Protein

2004 ◽  
Vol 78 (24) ◽  
pp. 13573-13581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verena Geiselhart ◽  
Patrizia Bastone ◽  
Tore Kempf ◽  
Martina Schnölzer ◽  
Martin Löchelt
Keyword(s):  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Transmembrane Protein ◽  
Foamy Virus ◽  
Proteolytic Processing ◽  
Signal Peptidase ◽  
Amino Acid Residues ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Leader Protein ◽  
Distinguishing Features

ABSTRACT The molecular biology of spuma or foamy retroviruses is different from that of the other members of the Retroviridae. Among the distinguishing features, the N-terminal domain of the foamy virus Env glycoprotein, the 16-kDa Env leader protein Elp, is a component of released, infectious virions and is required for particle budding. The transmembrane protein Elp specifically interacts with N-terminal Gag sequences during morphogenesis. In this study, we investigate the mechanism of Elp release from the Env precursor protein. By a combination of genetic, biochemical, and biophysical methods, we show that the feline foamy virus (FFV) Elp is released by a cellular furin-like protease, most likely furin itself, generating an Elp protein consisting of 127 amino acid residues. The cleavage site fully conforms to the rules for an optimal furin site. Proteolytic processing at the furin cleavage site is required for full infectivity of FFV. However, utilization of other furin proteases and/or cleavage at a suboptimal signal peptidase cleavage site can partially rescue virus viability. In addition, we show that FFV Elp carries an N-linked oligosaccharide that is not conserved among the known foamy viruses.

scholarly journals TMPRSS4-dependent activation of the epithelial sodium channel requires cleavage of the γ-subunit distal to the furin cleavage site

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (1) ◽  
pp. F1-F8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Passero ◽  
Gunhild M. Mueller ◽  
Michael M. Myerburg ◽  
Marcelo D. Carattino ◽  
Rebecca P. Hughey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Epithelial Sodium Channel ◽  
Cleavage Sites ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Channel Activation ◽  
Α Subunit ◽  
Γ Subunit ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Unique Mechanism

The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is activated by a unique mechanism, whereby inhibitory tracts are released by proteolytic cleavage within the extracellular loops of two of its three homologous subunits. While cleavage by furin within the biosynthetic pathway releases one inhibitory tract from the α-subunit and moderately activates the channel, full activation through release of a second inhibitory tract from the γ-subunit requires cleavage once by furin and then at a distal site by a second protease, such as prostasin, plasmin, or elastase. We now report that coexpression of mouse transmembrane protease serine 4 (TMPRSS4) with mouse ENaC in Xenopus oocytes was associated with a two- to threefold increase in channel activity and production of a unique ∼70-kDa carboxyl-terminal fragment of the γ-subunit, similar to the ∼70-kDa γ-subunit fragment that we previously observed with prostasin-dependent channel activation. TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation and production of the ∼70-kDa fragment were partially blocked by mutation of the prostasin-dependent cleavage site (γRKRK186QQQQ). Complete inhibition of TMPRSS4-dependent activation of ENaC and γ-subunit cleavage was observed when three basic residues between the furin and prostasin cleavage sites were mutated (γK173Q, γK175Q, and γR177Q), in addition to γRKRK186QQQQ. Mutation of the four basic residues associated with the furin cleavage site (γRKRR143QQQQ) also prevented TMPRSS4-dependent channel activation. We conclude that TMPRSS4 primarily activates ENaC by cleaving basic residues within the tract γK173-K186 distal to the furin cleavage site, thereby releasing a previously defined key inhibitory tract encompassing γR158-F168 from the γ-subunit.

scholarly journals Spike glycoprotein and host cell determinants of SARS-CoV-2 entry and cytopathic effects

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanh T. Nguyen ◽  
Shijian Zhang ◽  
Qian Wang ◽  
Saumya Anang ◽  
Jia Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Host Cell ◽  
Cell Fusion ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Virus Entry ◽  
Cytoplasmic Tail ◽  
Syncytium Formation ◽  
Spike Glycoprotein ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Cytopathic Effects ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site

SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus, is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein trimer mediates virus entry into host cells and cytopathic effects (syncytium formation). We studied the contribution of several S glycoprotein features to these functions, focusing on those that differ among related coronaviruses. Acquisition of the furin cleavage site by the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein decreased virus stability and infectivity, but greatly enhanced syncytium-forming ability. Notably, the D614G change found in globally predominant SARS-CoV-2 strains increased infectivity, modestly enhanced responsiveness to the ACE2 receptor and susceptibility to neutralizing sera, and tightened association of the S1 subunit with the trimer. Apparently, these two features of the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein, the furin cleavage site and D614G, have evolved to balance virus infectivity, stability, cytopathicity and antibody vulnerability. Although the endodomain (cytoplasmic tail) of the S2 subunit was not absolutely required for virus entry or syncytium formation, alteration of palmitoylated cysteine residues in the cytoplasmic tail decreased the efficiency of these processes. As proteolytic cleavage contributes to the activation of the SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein, we evaluated the ability of protease inhibitors to suppress S glycoprotein function. Matrix metalloprotease inhibitors suppressed S-mediated cell-cell fusion, but not virus entry. Synergy between inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases and TMPRSS2 suggests that both host proteases can activate the S glycoprotein during the process of syncytium formation. These results provide insights into SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein-host cell interactions that likely contribute to the transmission and pathogenicity of this pandemic agent. IMPORTANCE The development of an effective and durable SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is essential for combating the growing COVID-19 pandemic. The SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) glycoprotein is the main target of neutralizing antibodies elicited during virus infection or following vaccination. Knowledge of the spike glycoprotein evolution, function and interactions with host factors will help researchers to develop effective vaccine immunogens and treatments. Here we identify key features of the spike glycoprotein, including the furin cleavage site and the D614G natural mutation, that modulate viral cytopathic effects, infectivity and sensitivity to inhibition. We also identify two inhibitors of host metalloproteases that block S-mediated cell-cell fusion, a process that contributes to the destruction of the virus-infected cell.

scholarly journals Mutation of the BAFF furin cleavage site impairs B-cell homeostasis and antibody responses

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-797 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Bossen ◽  
Aubry Tardivel ◽  
Laure Willen ◽  
Carrie A. Fletcher ◽  
Mai Perroud ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
B Cell ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Antibody Responses ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Cell Homeostasis ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
B Cell Homeostasis

scholarly journals Mutation of a Conserved Hydrophobic Patch PreventsIncorporation of ZP3 into the Zona Pellucida SurroundingMouseEggs

2003 ◽  
Vol 23 (24) ◽  
pp. 8982-8991 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Zhao ◽  
Lyn Gold ◽  
Heidi Dorward ◽  
Li-fang Liang ◽  
Tanya Hoodbhoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zona Pellucida ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Secretory Pathway ◽  
Fluorescent Protein ◽  
Transmembrane Domain ◽  
Proprotein Convertase ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Mouse Oocytes ◽  
Hydrophobic Patch ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site

ABSTRACT Three glycoproteins (ZP1, ZP2, and ZP3) are synthesized in growing mouse oocytes and secreted to form an extracellular zona pellucida that mediates sperm binding and fertilization. Each has a signal peptide to direct it into a secretory pathway, a “zona” domain implicated in matrix polymerization and a transmembrane domain from which the ectodomain must be released. Using confocal microscopy and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), the intracellular trafficking of ZP3 was observed in growing mouse oocytes. Replacement of the zona domain with EGFP did not prevent secretion of ZP3, suggesting the presence of trafficking signals and a cleavage site in the carboxyl terminus. Analysis of linker-scanning mutations of a ZP3-EGFP fusion protein in transient assays and in transgenic mice identified an eight-amino-acid hydrophobic region required for secretion and incorporation into the zona pellucida. The hydrophobic patch is conserved among mouse zona proteins and lies between a potential proprotein convertase (furin) cleavage site and the transmembrane domain. The cleavage site that releases the ectodomain from the transmembrane domain was defined by mass spectrometry of native zonae pellucidae and lies N-terminal to a proprotein convertase site that is distinct from the hydrophobic patch.

scholarly journals Propagation of SARS-CoV-2 in Calu-3 Cells to Eliminate Mutations in the Furin Cleavage Site of Spike

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2434
Author(s):  
John James Baczenas ◽  
Hanne Andersen ◽  
Sujatha Rashid ◽  
David Yarmosh ◽  
Nikhita Puthuveetil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Lines ◽  
Cell Cultures ◽  
Cleavage Site ◽  
Furin Cleavage ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Furin Cleavage Site ◽  
Pathogenic Virus ◽  
Epithelial Cell Lines ◽  
Propagation Methods

SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis, vaccine, and therapeutic studies rely on the use of animals challenged with highly pathogenic virus stocks produced in cell cultures. Ideally, these virus stocks should be genetically and functionally similar to the original clinical isolate, retaining wild-type properties to be reliably used in animal model studies. It is well-established that SARS-CoV-2 isolates serially passaged on Vero cell lines accumulate mutations and deletions in the furin cleavage site; however, these can be eliminated when passaged on Calu-3 lung epithelial cell lines, as presented in this study. As numerous stocks of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are being grown in cell cultures with the intent for use in animal models, it is essential that propagation methods generate virus stocks that are pathogenic in vivo. Here, we found that the propagation of a B.1.351 SARS-CoV-2 stock on Calu-3 cells eliminated viruses that previously accumulated mutations in the furin cleavage site. Notably, there were alternative variants that accumulated at the same nucleotide positions in virus populations grown on Calu-3 cells at multiple independent facilities. When a Calu-3-derived B.1.351 virus stock was used to infect hamsters, the virus remained pathogenic and the Calu-3-specific variants persisted in the population. These results suggest that Calu-3-derived virus stocks are pathogenic but care should still be taken to evaluate virus stocks for newly arising mutations during propagation.

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