SARS-CoV-2 E protein is a potential ion channel that can be inhibited by Gliclazide and Memantine.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
; 530(1): 10-14, 2020 09 10.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-609834
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 is one of the most impactful pandemics in recorded history. As such, the identification of inhibitory drugs against its etiological agent, SARS-CoV-2, is of utmost importance, and in particular, repurposing may provide the fastest route to curb the disease. As the first step in this route, we sought to identify an attractive and viable target in the virus for pharmaceutical inhibition. Using three bacteria-based assays that were tested on known viroporins, we demonstrate that one of its essential components, the E protein, is a potential ion channel and, therefore, is an excellent drug target. Channel activity was demonstrated for E proteins in other coronaviruses, providing further emphasis on the importance of this functionally to the virus' pathogenicity. The results of a screening effort involving a repurposing drug library of ion channel blockers yielded two compounds that inhibit the E protein Gliclazide and Memantine. In conclusion, as a route to curb viral virulence and abate COVID-19, we point to the E protein of SARS-CoV-2 as an attractive drug target and identify off-label compounds that inhibit it.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Antiviral Agents
/
Memantine
/
Viral Envelope Proteins
/
Betacoronavirus
/
Gliclazide
/
Ion Channels
Type of study:
Etiology study
/
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
Biochem Biophys Res Commun
Year:
2020
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
J.bbrc.2020.05.206
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