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Nature Reviews. Molecular Cell Biology Jan 2022The unprecedented public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has... (Review)
Review
The unprecedented public health and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been met with an equally unprecedented scientific response. Much of this response has focused, appropriately, on the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 entry into host cells, and in particular the binding of the spike (S) protein to its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), and subsequent membrane fusion. This Review provides the structural and cellular foundations for understanding the multistep SARS-CoV-2 entry process, including S protein synthesis, S protein structure, conformational transitions necessary for association of the S protein with ACE2, engagement of the receptor-binding domain of the S protein with ACE2, proteolytic activation of the S protein, endocytosis and membrane fusion. We define the roles of furin-like proteases, transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2) and cathepsin L in these processes, and delineate the features of ACE2 orthologues in reservoir animal species and S protein adaptations that facilitate efficient human transmission. We also examine the utility of vaccines, antibodies and other potential therapeutics targeting SARS-CoV-2 entry mechanisms. Finally, we present key outstanding questions associated with this critical process.
Topics: Animals; Evolution, Molecular; Humans; Membrane Fusion; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; SARS-CoV-2; Viral Proteins; Virus Internalization
PubMed: 34611326
DOI: 10.1038/s41580-021-00418-x -
Viruses Apr 2021HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) infection begins with the attachment of the virion to a host cell by its envelope glycoprotein (Env), which subsequently... (Review)
Review
HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) infection begins with the attachment of the virion to a host cell by its envelope glycoprotein (Env), which subsequently induces fusion of viral and cell membranes to allow viral entry. Upon binding to primary receptor CD4 and coreceptor (e.g., chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4), Env undergoes large conformational changes and unleashes its fusogenic potential to drive the membrane fusion. The structural biology of HIV-1 Env and its complexes with the cellular receptors not only has advanced our knowledge of the molecular mechanism of how HIV-1 enters the host cells but also provided a structural basis for the rational design of fusion inhibitors as potential antiviral therapeutics. In this review, we summarize our latest understanding of the HIV-1 membrane fusion process and discuss related therapeutic strategies to block viral entry.
Topics: Anti-Retroviral Agents; HIV Fusion Inhibitors; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Membrane Fusion; Virus Internalization
PubMed: 33922579
DOI: 10.3390/v13050735 -
Trends in Microbiology Oct 2019HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein [Env; trimeric (gp160) cleaved to (gp120/gp41)] attaches the virion to a susceptible cell and induces fusion of viral and cell membranes to... (Review)
Review
HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein [Env; trimeric (gp160) cleaved to (gp120/gp41)] attaches the virion to a susceptible cell and induces fusion of viral and cell membranes to initiate infection. It interacts with the primary receptor CD4 and coreceptor (e.g., chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4) to allow viral entry by triggering large structural rearrangements and unleashing the fusogenic potential of gp41 to induce membrane fusion. Recent advances in structural biology of HIV-1 Env and its complexes with the cellular receptors have revealed molecular details of HIV-1 entry and yielded new mechanistic insights. In this review, I summarize our latest understanding of the HIV-1 membrane fusion process and discuss possible pathways for productive viral entry.
Topics: CD4 Antigens; HIV Envelope Protein gp160; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Life Cycle Stages; Membrane Fusion; Models, Molecular; Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs; Receptors, CCR5; Receptors, CXCR4; Virus Internalization
PubMed: 31262533
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.06.002 -
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in... Oct 2021Hemagglutinins (HAs) are the receptor-binding and membrane fusion glycoproteins of influenza viruses. They recognize sialic acid-containing, cell-surface glycoconjugates... (Review)
Review
Hemagglutinins (HAs) are the receptor-binding and membrane fusion glycoproteins of influenza viruses. They recognize sialic acid-containing, cell-surface glycoconjugates as receptors but have limited affinity for them, and, as a consequence, virus attachment to cells requires their interaction with several virus HAs. Receptor-bound virus is transferred into endosomes where membrane fusion by HAs is activated at pH between 5 and 6.5, depending on the strain of virus. Fusion activity requires extensive rearrangements in HA conformation that include extrusion of a buried "fusion peptide" to connect with the endosomal membrane, form a bridge to the virus membrane, and eventually bring both membranes close together. In this review, we give an overview of the structures of the 16 genetically and antigenically distinct subtypes of influenza A HA in relation to these two functions in virus replication and in relation to recognition of HA by antibodies that neutralize infection.
Topics: Hemagglutinins; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Membrane Fusion; Orthomyxoviridae
PubMed: 32513673
DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a038638 -
Annual Review of Biophysics May 2022Major recent advances and previous data have led to a plausible model of how key proteins mediate neurotransmitter release. In this model, the soluble... (Review)
Review
Major recent advances and previous data have led to a plausible model of how key proteins mediate neurotransmitter release. In this model, the soluble -ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (NSF) attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins syntaxin-1, SNAP-25, and synaptobrevin form tight complexes that bring the membranes together and are crucial for membrane fusion. NSF and SNAPs disassemble SNARE complexes and ensure that fusion occurs through an exquisitely regulated pathway that starts with Munc18-1 bound to a closed conformation of syntaxin-1. Munc18-1 also binds to synaptobrevin, forming a template to assemble the SNARE complex when Munc13-1 opens syntaxin-1 while bridging the vesicle and plasma membranes. Synaptotagmin-1 and complexin bind to partially assembled SNARE complexes, likely stabilizing them and preventing fusion until Ca binding to synaptotagmin-1 causes dissociation from the SNARE complex and induces interactions with phospholipids that help trigger release. Although fundamental questions remain about the mechanism of membrane fusion, these advances provide a framework to investigate the mechanisms underlying presynaptic plasticity.
Topics: Membrane Fusion; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Neurotransmitter Agents; R-SNARE Proteins; SNARE Proteins; Synaptic Transmission; Syntaxin 1
PubMed: 35167762
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-111821-104732 -
Trends in Cell Biology Jan 2021Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that constantly undergo fission and fusion. Disruption of mitochondrial dynamics undermines their function and causes several... (Review)
Review
Mitochondria are highly dynamic organelles that constantly undergo fission and fusion. Disruption of mitochondrial dynamics undermines their function and causes several human diseases. The fusion of the outer (OMM) and inner mitochondrial membranes (IMM) is mediated by two classes of dynamin-like protein (DLP): mitofusin (MFN)/fuzzy onions 1 (Fzo1) and optic atrophy 1/mitochondria genome maintenance 1 (OPA1/Mgm1). Given the lack of structural information on these fusogens, the molecular mechanisms underlying mitochondrial fusion remain unclear, even after 20 years. Here, we review recent advances in structural studies of the mitochondrial fusion machinery, discuss their implication for DLPs, and summarize the pathogenic mechanisms of disease-causing mutations in mitochondrial fusion DLPs.
Topics: Dynamins; Humans; Membrane Fusion; Mitochondrial Dynamics; Mitochondrial Membranes; Mitochondrial Proteins; Structural Homology, Protein
PubMed: 33092941
DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2020.09.008 -
Nature Dec 2022Insufficient intracellular anabolism is a crucial factor involved in many pathological processes in the body. The anabolism of intracellular substances requires the...
Insufficient intracellular anabolism is a crucial factor involved in many pathological processes in the body. The anabolism of intracellular substances requires the consumption of sufficient intracellular energy and the production of reducing equivalents. ATP acts as an 'energy currency' for biological processes in cells, and the reduced form of NADPH is a key electron donor that provides reducing power for anabolism. Under pathological conditions, it is difficult to correct impaired anabolism and to increase insufficient levels of ATP and NADPH to optimum concentrations. Here we develop an independent and controllable nanosized plant-derived photosynthetic system based on nanothylakoid units (NTUs). To enable cross-species applications, we use a specific mature cell membrane (the chondrocyte membrane (CM)) for camouflage encapsulation. As proof of concept, we demonstrate that these CM-NTUs enter chondrocytes through membrane fusion, avoid lysosome degradation and achieve rapid penetration. Moreover, the CM-NTUs increase intracellular ATP and NADPH levels in situ following exposure to light and improve anabolism in degenerated chondrocytes. They can also systemically correct energy imbalance and restore cellular metabolism to improve cartilage homeostasis and protect against pathological progression of osteoarthritis. Our therapeutic strategy for degenerative diseases is based on a natural photosynthetic system that can controllably enhance cell anabolism by independently providing key energy and metabolic carriers. This study also provides an enhanced understanding of the preparation and application of bioorganisms and composite biomaterials for the treatment of disease.
Topics: Humans; Adenosine Triphosphate; Chondrocytes; NADP; Osteoarthritis; Photosynthesis; Plants; Cartilage; Homeostasis; Energy Metabolism; Membrane Fusion
PubMed: 36477541
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05499-y -
The Journal of Cell Biology Oct 2021Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals,... (Review)
Review
Fertilization is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilization, sperm and egg fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. In mammals, fertilization involves multiple ordered steps, including the acrosome reaction, zona pellucida penetration, sperm-egg attachment, and membrane fusion. Given the success of in vitro fertilization, one would think that the mechanisms of fertilization are understood; however, the precise details for many of the steps in fertilization remain a mystery. Recent studies using genetic knockout mouse models and structural biology are providing valuable insight into the molecular basis of sperm-egg attachment and fusion. Here, we review the cell biology of fertilization, specifically summarizing data from recent structural and functional studies that provide insights into the interactions involved in human gamete attachment and fusion.
Topics: Cell Biology; Fertilization; Humans; Membrane Fusion
PubMed: 34459848
DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202102146 -
Autophagy Oct 2021Macroautophagy/autophagy refers to the engulfment of cellular contents selected for lysosomal degradation. The final step in autophagy is the fusion of autophagosome... (Review)
Review
Macroautophagy/autophagy refers to the engulfment of cellular contents selected for lysosomal degradation. The final step in autophagy is the fusion of autophagosome with the lysosome, which is mediated by SNARE proteins. Of the SNAREs, autophagosome-localized Q-SNAREs, such as STX17 and SNAP29, and lysosome-localized R-SNAREs, such as VAMP8 or VAMP7, have been reported to be involved. Recent studies also reveal participation of the R-SNARE, YKT6, in autophagosome-lysosome fusion. These SNAREs, with the help of other regulatory factors, act coordinately to spatiotemporally control the fusion process. Besides regulating autophagosome-lysosome fusion, some SNAREs, such as STX17, also function in other autophagic processes, including autophagosome formation and mitophagy. A better understanding of the functions of SNAREs will shed light on the molecular mechanisms of autophagosome-lysosome fusion as well as on the mechanisms by which autophagy is globally regulated.: ATG: autophagy related; DNM1L: dynamin 1 like; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GABARAP: GABA type A receptor-associated protein; GABARAPL1: GABA type A receptor associated protein like 1; IRGM: immunity related GTPase M; LAMP2: lysosomal associated membrane protein 2; MAP1LC3B/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; PIK3R4: phosphoinositide-3-kinase regulatory subunit 4; PLEKHM1: pleckstrin homology and RUN domain containing M1; PRKN: PRKN RBR E3 ubiquitin protein ligase; RAB2A: RAB2A, member RAS oncogene family; RAB33B: RAB33B, member RAS oncogene family; RAB7A: RAB7A, member RAS oncogene family; RB1CC1: RB1 inducible coiled-coil 1; RTN3: reticulon 3; RUBCNL: rubicon like autophagy enhancer; SNARE: soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor; SNAP29: synaptosomal associated protein 29; STX17: syntaxin 17; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1; VAMP7: vesicle associated membrane protein 7; VAMP8: vesicle associated membrane protein 8; YKT6: YKT6 v-SNARE homolog.
Topics: Autophagosomes; Autophagy; Lysosomes; Macroautophagy; Membrane Fusion; Qa-SNARE Proteins; R-SNARE Proteins; SNARE Proteins
PubMed: 32924745
DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2020.1823124 -
Cell May 2023Entry of enveloped viruses into cells is mediated by viral fusogenic proteins that drive membrane rearrangements needed for fusion between viral and target membranes....
Entry of enveloped viruses into cells is mediated by viral fusogenic proteins that drive membrane rearrangements needed for fusion between viral and target membranes. Skeletal muscle development also requires membrane fusion events between progenitor cells to form multinucleated myofibers. Myomaker and Myomerger are muscle-specific cell fusogens but do not structurally or functionally resemble classical viral fusogens. We asked whether the muscle fusogens could functionally substitute for viral fusogens, despite their structural distinctiveness, and fuse viruses to cells. We report that engineering of Myomaker and Myomerger on the membrane of enveloped viruses leads to specific transduction of skeletal muscle. We also demonstrate that locally and systemically injected virions pseudotyped with the muscle fusogens can deliver μDystrophin to skeletal muscle of a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and alleviate pathology. Through harnessing the intrinsic properties of myogenic membranes, we establish a platform for delivery of therapeutic material to skeletal muscle.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Cell Fusion; Membrane Fusion; Membrane Proteins; Muscle Development; Muscle, Skeletal; Bioengineering; Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne; Disease Models, Animal; Viral Tropism; Lentivirus
PubMed: 37075755
DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.03.033