[Antiviral activity of basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract against SARS-CоV-2 virus (Coronaviridae: Betacoronavirus: Sarbecovirus) in vivo in BALB/c mice model].

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic combined with seasonal epidemics of respiratory viral diseases requires targeted antiviral prophylaxis with restorative and immunostimulant drugs. The compounds of natural origin are low-toxic, but active against several viruses at the same time. One of the most famous compounds is Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract. The fruit body of basidial fungus I. obliquus is called Chaga mushroom. The aim of the work ‒ was to study the antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiviral activity of I. obliquus aqueous extract sample (#20-17) was analyzed against strain of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron ВА.5.2 virus. The experiments were carried out in BALB/c inbred mice. The SARS-CoV-2 viral load was measured using quantitative real-time PCR combined with reverse transcription. The severity of lung tissue damage was assessed by histological methods. RESULTS: The peak values of the viral load in murine lung tissues were determined 72 hours after intranasal inoculation at dose of 2,85 lg TCID50. The quantitative real-time PCR testing has shown a significant decrease in the viral load compared to the control group by 4,65 lg copies/ml and 5,72 lg copies/ml in the lung tissue and nasal cavity samples, respectively. Histological methods revealed that the decrease in the number and frequency of observed pathomorphological changes in murine lung tissues depended on the introduction of the compound under study. CONCLUSION: The results obtained indicate the possibility of using basidial fungus Inonotus obliquus aqueous extract as a preventive agent against circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

An experimental study of the effects of SNPs in the TATA boxes of the GRIN1, ASCL3 and NOS1 genes on interactions with the TATA-binding protein.

The GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes are associated with various phenotypes of neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, these genes contribute to the development of schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and epilepsy. These genes are also associated with various cancers. For example, ASCL3 is overexpressed in breast cancer, and NOS1, in ovarian cancer cell lines. Based on our findings and literature data, we had previously obtained results suggesting that the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that disrupt erythropoiesis are highly likely to be associated with cognitive and neuropsychiatric disorders in humans. In the present work, using SNP_TATA_Z-tester, we investigated the influence of unannotated SNPs in the TATA boxes of the promoters of the GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes (which are involved in neuropsychiatric disorders and cancers) on the interaction of the TATA boxes with the TATA-binding protein (TBP). Double-stranded oligodeoxyribonucleotides identical to the TATA-containing promoter regions of the GRIN1, ASCL3, and NOS1 genes (reference and minor alleles) and recombinant human TBP were employed to study in vitro (by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay) kinetic characteristics of the formation of TBP-TATA complexes and their affinity. It was found, for example, that allele A of rs1402667001 in the GRIN1 promoter increases TBP-TATA affinity 1.4-fold, whereas allele C in the TATA box of the ASCL3 promoter decreases the affinity 1.4-fold. The lifetime of the complexes in both cases decreased by ~20 % due to changes in the rates of association and dissociation of the complexes (ka and kd, respectively). Our experimental results are consistent with the literature showing GRIN1 underexpression in schizophrenic disorders as well as an increased risk of cervical, bladder, and kidney cancers and lymphoma during ASCL3 underexpression. The effect of allele A of the -27G>A SNP (rs1195040887) in the NOS1 promoter is suggestive of an increased risk of ischemic damage to the brain in carriers. A comparison of experimental TBP-TATA affinity values (KD) of wild-type and minor alleles with predicted ones showed that the data correlate well (linear correlation coefficient r = 0.94, p <0.01).

[Candidate SNP-markers altering TBP binding affinity for promoters of the Y-linked genes CDY2A, SHOX, and ZFY are lowering many indexes of reproductive potential in men]. / Кандидатные SNP-маркеры, изменяющие сродство ТВРк промоторам Y-ÑÐ²ÑÐ·Ð°Ð½Ð½Ñ‹Ñ Ð³ÐµÐ½Ð¾Ð² CDY2A, SHOX, ZFY, снижают ряд показателей репродуктивного потенциала мужчин.

Reproductive potential is the most important conditional indicator reflecting the ability of individuals in a population to reproduce, survive and develop under optimal environmental conditions. As for humans, the concept of reproductive potential can include the level of the individual's mental and physical state, which allows them to reproduce healthy offspring when they reach social and physical maturity. Female reproductive potential has been investigated in great detail, whereas the male reproductive potential (MRP) has not received the equal amount of attention as yet. Therefore, here we focused on the human Y chromosome and found candidate single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers of MRP. With our development named Web-service SNP_TATA_Z-tester, we examined in silico all 35 unannotated SNPs within 70-bp proximal promoters of the three Y-linked genes, CDY2A, SHOX and ZFY, which represent all types of human Y-chromosome genes, namely: unique, pseudo-autosomal, and human X-chromosome gene paralogs, respectively. As a result, we found 11 candidate SNP markers for MRP, which can significantly alter the TATA-binding protein (TBP) binding affinity for promoters of these genes. First of all, we selectively verified in vitro the values of the TBP-promoter affinity under this study, Pearson's linear correlation between predicted and measured values of which were r = 0.94 (significance p < 0.005). Next, as a discussion, using keyword search tools of the PubMed database, we found clinically proven physiological markers of human pathologies, which correspond to a change in the expression of the genes carrying the candidate SNP markers predicted here. These were markers for spermatogenesis disorders (ZFY: rs1388535808 and rs996955491), for male maturation arrest (CDY2A: rs200670724) as well as for disproportionate short stature at Madelung deformity (e. g., SHOX: rs1452787381) and even for embryogenesis disorders (e. g., SHOX: rs28378830). This indicates a wide range of MRI indicators, alterations in which should be expected in the case of SNPs in the promoters of the human Y-chromosome genes and which can go far beyond changes in male fertility.

[TATA box polymorphisms in genes of commercial and laboratory animals and plants associated with selectively valuable traits].

Most of more than 11 million experimentally established polymorphisms, accumulated in dbSNP, were identified in the intergenic spacers or coding DNA regions. This fact enables interpretation of the former polymorphisms as neutral, while the latter make clear the biological sense of the associated mutant phenotypes, "the defect of certain proteins". The association of polymorphisms in regulatory DNA regions with mutant phenotypes is poorly studied. Specifically, the defects in certain DNA/protein binding sites were identified in less than 500 cases. In TATA-containing genes of eukaryotes the TATA box, the TBP (TATA-binding protein) binding site, is located about 30 bp upstream from the transcription start site. Interaction between DNA and TBP triggers assemblage of the preinitiation complex. For 37 TATA box polymorphisms in the genes of commercial and laboratory animals and plants, the effect on TBP-binding activity was evaluated using the equilibrium equation for the four subsequent steps of TBP/TATA box binding (nonspecific binding <----> sliding <----> recognition <----> stabilization). According to the GenBank data, these 37 polymorphisms were associated with the changes in a number of selectively valuable traits. Statistically significant congruence of in silico analysis performed with mutant phenotypes (a < 0.05, binomial law) provides suggestion of the mechanism of phenotypic manifestation of these polymorphisms (changing of the TBP-binding activity), as well a validates the possibility of developing the universal test system for experimental-computer prediction of the effects of TATA box mutations in specified genes on selectively valuable traits of the species, varieties, and breeds.

[Prognosis of affinity change of the TATA-binding protein to TATA-boxes upon polymorphisms of the human gene promoter TATA boxes].

TATA-binding protein (TBP) is a subunit of basal transcription factor TFIID that recognizes and binds to the TATA-box on TATA-containing promoters of class II genes, and starts assembling RNA polymerase II basal transcription complex. It is shown in many works that the sequence of TATA-box with its flanking regions affects the level of basal and activated transcription. TATA-box polymorphisms and human hereditary diseases associated with them show that TBP/TATA interaction may indirectly affect gene regulation in vivo. The object of this work is to determine changes in the TBP/TATA affinity upon polymorphisms in TATA-boxes of human gene promoters. We assess changes in TBP/TATA affinities in silico by using our formula of equilibrium TBP/TATA binding upon four consecutive steps: nonspecific binding <--> sliding <--> braking (stopping) <--> stabilization. Our prognoses agree with known examples of TATA-box polymorphisms and human hereditary diseases associated with them.

TATA box polymorphisms in human gene promoters and associated hereditary pathologies.

TATA-binding protein (TBP) is the first basal factor that recognizes and binds a TATA box on TATA-containing gene promoters transcribed by RNA polymerase II. Data available in the literature are indicative of admissible variability of the TATA box. The TATA box flanking sequences can influence TBP affinity as well as the level of basal and activated transcription. The possibility of mediated involvement in in vivo gene expression regulation of the TBP interactions with variant TATA boxes is supported by data on TATA box polymorphisms and associated human hereditary pathologies. A table containing data on TATA element polymorphisms in human gene promoters (about 40 mutations have been described), associated with particular pathologies, their short functional characteristics, and manifestation mechanisms of TATA-box SNPs is presented. Four classes of polymorphisms are considered: TATA box polymorphisms that weaken and enhance promoter, polymorphisms causing TATA box emergence and disappearance, and human virus TATA box polymorphisms. The described examples are indicative of the polymorphism-associated severe pathologies like thalassemia, the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, sensitivity to H. pylori infection, oral cavity and lung cancers, arterial hypertension, etc.

Increased interaction of proteins in nuclear extract from mouse liver and lung tumors with TATA-containing oligonucleotide.

Increased TATA-binding activity of proteins in nuclear extracts from murine hepatocarcinoma HA-1 and murine Lewis lung adenocarcinoma was demonstrated. The dependence of the amount of formed complexes on protein concentration, displacement of labeled 32P-TATA-containing oligonucleotide by its unlabeled analog, and weak interaction with an oligonucleotide containing damaged TATA box confirm specificity of the formed complexes.

[Interaction of proteins from general transcription complex RNA polymerase II with oligoribonucleotides].

We have analyzed an interaction of the general transcription complex RNA polymerase II proteins (RNA polymerase II, factors TBP, TFIIB, TFIIF, TFIIE and TFIIH) S. cerevisiae with the oligoribonucleotides. With the help of method EMSA was shown that labeled 32P labeled oligoribonucleotide 5'-ACUCUCUUCCGCAUCGC-3' (r-17) binds with the proteins and generates three species of the complexes with the three major shifts. All the three species of the complexes are RNA specific because a total RNA S. cerevisiae was a competitor for all three species but the TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide (500-fold molar excess) was not a competitor for its. Complexes 32P-r-17 with the proteins belonging to the middle shift are the sequence specific because unlabeled r-17 was a competitor for its binding (100-fold molar excess) but unlabeled UA-rich oligoribonucleotide (5'-AUAUUAUGUUCAAAA-3) was not a competitor for this shift (500-fold molar excess). Complexes belonging to the upper shift are RNA specific probably. We think 32P-r-17 interaction with the proteins belonging to the under shift is nonspecific corresponding to a sorbtion of 32P-r-17 on a protein. The data presented demonstrate that oligoribonucleotide and oligodeoxyribonucleotide don't compete for the binding sites on a basal transcription complex proteins.

Photoanalogues of the initiation substrates of the RNA polymerase II, 5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyl derivatives of the ATP gamma-amidophosphate: the possible photoinduced degradation of the functional group to an N-arylhydroxylamine.

Photoanlogues of the initiation substrates of the RNA polymerase II, N3ArNH(CH2)(n)NHpppA where N3Ar is 5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyl group (n = 2 or 4) were synthesized, allowing the preparation of photoreactive oligonucleotides in situ by RNA polymerase II for application as photolabels. Photolysis of p-nitro-substituted aromatic azide in aqueous medium was investigated. Using the azoxy-coupling reaction it was possible to determine whether a nitrene or p-nitrophenyl hydroxylamine azoxy compound is the trappable intermediate that is generated at ambient temperature in aqueous solution.

[Interaction of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein]. / Vzaimodeistvie RNK-polimerazy Escherichia coli s TATA-sviazyvaiushchim belkom éukariot.

Interaction with eukaryotic TATA-binding protein (TBP) was analyzed for natural Escherichia coli RNA polymerase or the recombinant holoenzyme, minimal enzyme, or its sigma subunit. Upon preincubation of full-sized RNA polymerase with TBP and further incubation with a constant amount of 32P-labeled phosphamide derivative of a TATA-containing oligodeoxyribonucleotide, the yield of the holoenzyme-oligonucleotide covalent complex decreased with increasing TBP concentration. This was considered as indirect evidence for complexing of RNA polymerase with TBP. In gel retardation assays, the holoenzyme, but neither minimal enzyme nor the sigma subunit, interacted with TPB, since the labeled probe formed complexes with both proteins in the reaction mixture combining TBP with the minimal enzyme or the sigma subunit. It was assumed that E. coli RNA polymerase is functionally similar to eukaryotic RNA polymerase II, and that the complete ensemble of all subunits is essential for the specific function of the holoenzyme.

[Reagents for modification of protein-nucleic complexes. III. Site-specific photomodification of elongation complex of DNA polymerase beta with arylazide derivatives of primers sensitized with fluorescent ATP gamma-amide]. / Reagenty dlia modofikatsii belkovo-nukleinovykh kompleksov. III. Sait-spetsificheskaia fotomodifikatsiia élongiruiushchego kompleksa DNK-polimerazy beta arilazidnymi proizvodnymi praimerov, sensibilizirovannaia fluorestsentnymi gamma-amidami ATP.

ATP gamma-amides containing in gamma-N-position 1-methylpyrene, 9-methylanthracene, 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene, and 3-methylperylene residues were synthesized and characterized. These compounds were used as sensitizers of site-specific photomodification of the reconstituted elongating complex of the mammalian DNA polymerase beta. The photomodification was carried out with the use of photoaffine reagents, which were synthesized in situ by the 5'-(32)P-labeled primers extension with photoactive analogues of dCTP containing in the exo-N-position of cytosine various perfluoroarylazide groups. The effect of structures of the sensitizers and photoactive reagents on the efficiency and selectivity of photolinking of primers to the enzyme and template, as well as formation of a number of other photomodification products was studied. It was shown that the sensitizers containing 10-chloro-9-methylanthracene and 3-methylperylene residues allow preparation of photolinks in such irradiation conditions when photomodification in their absence is not essentially observed.

[Reagents for modification of protein-nucleic acids complexes. II. Site-specific photomodification of DNA-polymerase beta complexes with primers elongated by the dCTP exo-N-substituted arylazido derivatives]. / Reagenty dlia modifikatsii belkovo-nukleinovykh kompleksov. II. Sait-spetsificheskaia fotomodofikatsiia kompleksov DNK-polimerazy beta praîmerami, élongirovannymi ékzo-N-zamashchennymi arilazidnymi proizvodnymi dCTP.

Substrate properties of the earlier synthesized and characterized dCTP derivatives bearing in the exo-N-position of cytosine 2-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzoylamino)ethyl (I), 2-(2-nitro-5-azidobenzoylamino)ethyl (II), 2-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylideneaminooxymethylcarbonylamino)ethyl (III), 4-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylideneaminooxy)butyloxy (IV), or 4-(4-azido-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzylidenehydrazinocarbonyl)butyl- carbonylamino (V) groups were studied in the primer extension reaction catalyzed by rat DNA polymerase beta. Unlike the earlier results obtained with HIV reverse transcriptase, dCTP derivatives (I)-(III) were not recognized by rat DNA polymerase beta as dTTP analogues, and all the five nucleotides were utilized as dCTP analogues. When compared with dCTP, Km values for the synthesized dCTP derivatives were higher by a factor of 4-20; Vmax were 1-2.3 times higher for (I)-(III) and (V) but 20-fold lower for derivative (IV). Site-specific photomodifications of the primer-template-DNA polymerase beta complexes were carried out using photoreactive reagents PRI-PRV, obtained in situ by extension of 5'-32P-labeled primers with dCTP analogues (I)-(V), respectively, when exposed to UV irradiation at 303-313 nm. Reagents PRI and PRIV provided the maximum photocrosslinking of the 5'-32P-labeled primer to the DNA template (56%) and to the enzyme (20%), respectively. The lowest efficiency of photocrosslinking was observed for PRII (about 1%).