Download MendeleyHTRF-based identification of small molecules targeting SARS-CoV-2 E protein interaction with ZO-1 PDZ2.
Alvarez, F., Larrous, F., Mechaly, A., Bardiaux, B., Goor, Q., Haouz, A., Seon-Meniel, B., de Sousa, R.A., Bourg, S., Desmaele, D., Figadere, B., Wolff, N., Munier-Lehmann, H., Caillet-Saguy, C.(2025) Sci Rep 16: 2034-2034
- PubMed: 41457070
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-31755-y
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
9HM2 - PubMed Abstract:
The SARS-CoV-2 E protein through its C-terminal PDZ-binding motif (PBM) interacts with several host PDZ-containing proteins, including Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) protein via its PDZ2 domain, thereby contributing to viral pathogenesis. Targeting this interaction represents a potential therapeutic strategy. In this study, we determined the X-ray structure of the E PBM peptide in complex with the ZO-1 PDZ2 domain at 1.7 Å resolution. The structure revealed a domain-swapped dimer conformation of ZO-1 PDZ2, with the E PBM peptide conventionally bound within the PDZ domain's canonical binding groove, exhibiting key interactions characteristic of type II PBM/PDZ interactions. To identify potential inhibitors of the E PBM/ZO-1 PDZ2 interaction, we performed a Homogeneous Time-Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) screening using a protein-protein interaction-focused library of 1000 compounds. This led to the identification of 36 hits that disrupted this interaction. Subsequent cytotoxicity and dose-response assays narrowed the selection to 14 promising compounds. Docking simulations showed that some compounds bind within or near the PBM-binding pocket, supporting a competitive mechanism of interaction inhibition, while others bind at a central interface between the two PDZ monomers, suggesting an inhibition of dimerization, which in turn prevents PBM binding. Thus, the E PBM/ZO-1 PDZ2 interaction can be inhibited through both direct and indirect mechanisms. Finally, antiviral assays using a NanoLuciferase-expressing recombinant SARS-CoV-2 demonstrated that one compound, C19, significantly reduced viral replication, highlighting its potential as a candidate for further therapeutic development.
- Signaling and Receptors Dynamics Unit, Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, F-75015, Paris, France. a.flavio2cg@gmail.com.
Organizational Affiliation:
