Investigation Of Binding Sites Research Articles

Identification of hepatitis C virus genotype 3 by a commercial assay challenged by natural polymorphisms detected in Spain from patients with diverse origins

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping is crucial in clinical practise for determining the type and duration of antiviral therapy. Between 2009 and 2014, 24 (7.95%) of all HCV genotype 3 (HCV-3) cases obtained indeterminate results via the RealTime HCV Genotype II assay (Abbott) at a tertiary care center in Spain. HCV-3 is the second most common genotype worldwide. Moreover, it has been associated with a higher risk of liver disease progression and a lower response to the latest antivirals. ObjectiveGiven the clinical significance of accurately identifying HCV-3, we aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of the HCV 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR), the target of genotyping assays, by ultradeep pyrosequencing (UDPS). Study designFor the 24 indeterminate samples, the 5′ UTR-core was amplified and subjected to UDPS with the 454/GS-Junior platform (Roche). The genotype/subtype of each identified haplotype was assigned by phylogenetic analysis. For comparison, three additional samples correctly identified as HCV-3 by the real-time assay were also analyzed. ResultsHCV genotyping based on 5′ UTR-core UDPS was in agreement with NS5B Sanger sequencing in all cases, confirming the absence of mixed infections and recombination events. The generated 5′ UTR sequences proved the presence of one to three polymorphisms at the probe-binding site of the Abbott assay, thereby differentiating indeterminate from correctly genotyped HCV-3 samples. ConclusionsThe observed naturally occurring polymorphisms provide insight into regional differences observed with genotype 3, their impact on genotyping assay performance, and potential improvement and designing options.

Discovery of variant infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) of European genotype in British Columbia, Canada.

BackgroundInfectious salmon anaemia (ISA) virus (ISAV) belongs to the genus Isavirus, family Orthomyxoviridae. ISAV occurs in two basic genotypes, North American and European. The European genotype is more widespread and shows greater genetic variation and greater virulence variation than the North American genotype. To date, all of the ISAV isolates from the clinical disease, ISA, have had deletions in the highly polymorphic region (HPR) on ISAV segment 6 (ISAV-HPRΔ) relative to ISAV-HPR0, named numerically from ISAV-HPR1 to over ISAV-HPR30. ISA outbreaks have only been reported in farmed Atlantic salmon, although ISAV has been detected by RT-PCR in wild fish. It is recognized that asymptomatically ISAV-infected fish exist. There is no universally accepted ISAV RT-qPCR TaqMan® assay. Most diagnostic laboratories use the primer-probe set targeting a 104 bp-fragment on ISAV segment 8. Some laboratories and researchers have found a primer-probe set targeting ISAV segment 7 to be more sensitive. Other researchers have published different ISAV segment 8 primer-probe sets that are highly sensitive.MethodsIn this study, we tested 1,106 fish tissue samples collected from (i) market-bought farmed salmonids and (ii) wild salmon from throughout British Columbia (BC), Canada, for ISAV using real time RT-qPCR targeting segment 8 and/or conventional RT-PCR with segment 8 primers and segment 6 HPR primers, and by virus isolation attempts using Salmon head kidney (SHK-1 and ASK-2) cell line monolayers. The sequences from the conventional PCR products were compared by multiple alignment and phylogenetic analyses.ResultsSeventy-nine samples were “non-negative” with at least one of these tests in one or more replicates. The ISAV segment 6 HPR sequences from the PCR products matched ISAV variants, HPR5 on 29 samples, one sample had both HPR5 and HPR7b and one matched HPR0. All sequences were of European genotype. In addition, alignment of sequences of the conventional PCR product segment 8 showed they had a single nucleotide mutation in the region of the probe sequence and a 9-nucleotide overlap with the reverse primer sequence of the real time RT-qPCR assay. None of the classical ISAV segment 8 sequences in the GenBank have this mutation in the probe-binding site of the assay, suggesting the presence of a novel ISAV variant in BC. A phylogenetic tree of these sequences showed that some ISAV sequences diverted early from the classical European genotype sequences, while others have evolved separately. All virus isolation attempts on the samples were negative, and thus the samples were considered “negative” in terms of the threshold trigger set for Canadian federal regulatory action; i.e., successful virus isolation in cell culture.ConclusionsThis is the first published report of the detection of ISAV sequences in fish from British Columbia, Canada. The sequences detected, both of ISAV-HPRΔ and ISAV-HPR0 are of European genotype. These sequences are different from the classical ISAV segment 8 sequences, and this difference suggests the presence of a new ISAV variant of European genotype in BC. Our results further suggest that ISAV-HPRΔ strains can be present without clinical disease in farmed fish and without being detected by virus isolation using fish cell lines.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-015-0459-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism at the TaqMan Probe-Binding Site Impedes Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR-Based Detection of Norovirus GII.4 Sydney.

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the TaqMan probe-binding site resulted in decreased sensitivity of real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-rtPCR) for detection of norovirus genogroup II genotype 4 (GII.4) Sydney. A new degenerate probe was designed that improved the sensitivity of the detection while not interfering with the detection of other GII and GI strains.

Discovery of 1,3-dihydro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole 2,2-dioxide analogs as new RORC modulators.

Structure-based and pharmacophore-based virtual screening in combination with combinatorial chemistry and X-ray crystallography led to the discovery of a new class of benzothiadiazole dioxide analogs with functional activity as RORC inverse agonists. The early RORC SAR compound 14 exhibited RORC inhibition in a cell based reporter gene assay of 5.7 μM and bound to RORC with an affinity of 1.6 μM in a fluorescence polarization assay displacing a ligand binding site probe. Crystallography confirmed the binding mode of the compound in the ligand binding domain displaying the engagement of a novel sub pocket close to Ser404. Subsequent optimization yielded compounds with enhanced RORC inverse agonist activity. The most active compound 19 showed an IC50 of 440 nM in a human PBMC assay.

An alternative method for processing northern blots after capillary transfer.

Different laboratories use different methods for the prehybridization, hybridization, and washing steps of the northern blotting procedure. In this protocol, a northern blot is pretreated with Church and Gilbert hybridization buffer to block nonspecific probe-binding sites. The immobilized RNA is then hybridized to a DNA probe specific for the RNA of interest. Finally, the membrane is washed and subjected to autoradiography or phosphorimaging. The solutions and conditions described here may be ideal for those who prefer to use fewer ingredients in their solutions. This protocol is designed to achieve the same goals as other northern blotting approaches. It minimizes background (nonspecific adherence of probe to membrane and nonspecific hybridization) and maximizes specific hybridization to RNAs immobilized on a membrane.

Northern blots: capillary transfer of RNA from agarose gels and filter hybridization using standard stringency conditions.

In this protocol, an RNA sample, fractionated by gel electrophoresis, is transferred from the gel onto a membrane by capillary transfer. Short-wave UV light is used to fix the transferred RNA to the membrane. The membrane is then pretreated to block nonspecific probe-binding sites, and hybridization of the immobilized RNA to a (32)P-labeled DNA or RNA probe specific for the mRNA of interest is performed. Finally, the membrane is washed and subjected to autoradiography or phosphorimaging. Because exposure to UV cross-links the RNA to the membrane, the membrane can be stripped and hybridized with other probes. The procedure is suitable for detecting poly(A)(+)-selected mRNA or mRNA in total cellular RNA if the target transcript is relatively abundant. Using DNA or RNA probes labeled to 1 × 10(8)-10 × 10(8) cpm/µg, it should be possible to detect ∼5 pg of a specific RNA.

Probing Binding Sites and Mechanisms of Action of an IKs Activator by Computations and Experiments

The slow delayed rectifier (IKs) channel is composed of the KCNQ1 channel and KCNE1 auxiliary subunit, and functions to repolarize action potentials in the human heart. IKs activators may provide therapeutic efficacy for treating long QT syndromes. Here, we show that a new KCNQ1 activator, ML277, can enhance IKs amplitude in adult guinea pig and canine ventricular myocytes. We probe its binding site and mechanism of action by computational analysis based on our recently reported KCNQ1 and KCNQ1/KCNE1 3D models, followed by experimental validation. Results from a pocket analysis and docking exercise suggest that ML277 binds to a side pocket in KCNQ1 and the KCNE1-free side pocket of KCNQ1/KCNE1. Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations based on the most favorable channel/ML277 docking configurations reveal a well-defined ML277 binding space surrounded by the S2-S3 loop and S4-S5 helix on the intracellular side, and by S4–S6 transmembrane helices on the lateral sides. A detailed analysis of MD trajectories suggests two mechanisms of ML277 action. First, ML277 restricts the conformational dynamics of the KCNQ1 pore, optimizing K+ ion coordination in the selectivity filter and increasing current amplitudes. Second, ML277 binding induces global motions in the channel, including regions critical for KCNQ1 gating transitions. We conclude that ML277 activates IKs by binding to an intersubunit space and allosterically influencing pore conductance and gating transitions. KCNE1 association protects KCNQ1 from an arrhythmogenic (constitutive current-inducing) effect of ML277, but does not preclude its current-enhancing effect.

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy as an Effective Biomolecular Binding Site Probe

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy as an Effective Biomolecular Binding Site Probe

In silico and in vitro interrogation of a widely used HEV RT-qPCR assay for detection of the species Orthohepevirus A

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a public health concern worldwide, associated with waterborne outbreaks in developing countries and reported as an emerging zoonotic infection in high-income countries. A recent consensus proposal classified the isolates from human, swine, wild boar, deer, mongoose, rabbit and camel in seven genotypes within the species Orthohepevirus A. In this report a popular HEV RT-qPCR assay was assessed for the detection of the species Orthohepevirus A. In silico analysis of 189 complete genome sequences showed that the assay targets a highly conserved region in the Orthohepevirus A genome. Additionally, plasmid standards were constructed to test the effect of probe- and primer-binding site mutations in the assay performance. The assay proved robust enough to detect strains with mutations in the probe-binding site and in the 3′ end primer-binding site regions. A degenerate version of the reverse primer improves the performance of the assay particularly in the detection of HEV-5 and 6. The addition and detection of MS2 RNA in each RT-qPCR reaction monitored for amplification inhibition and did not affect the performance of the assay in the detection of the HEV RNA international standard. Therefore, the RT-qPCR assay can be confidently used for the RNA detection of the seven genotypes within the species Orthohepevirus A.

A highly sensitive “ON–OFF–ON” fluorescent probe with three binding sites to sense copper ion and its application for cell imaging

Traditional single binding site probes for metal ions usually lack the ability to form stable products in the recognition process. Herein, a novel three binding sites “ON–OFF–ON” fluorescent probe, triformylphloroglucinol 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone was introduced to overcome this defect. After testing the optical properties of triformylphloroglucinol 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole hydrazone, the data show that this compound is an excellent fluorescent probe for copper ion and the probe can be released by introduction of citric acid, oxalic acid, pyrophosphoric acid and sodium thiosulfate. Finally, cell permeability and live cell imaging of copper ions are also demonstrated, which is useful.

Human Serum Albumin Binding of 2-[(Carboxymethyl)sulfanyl]-4-oxo-4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)butanoic Acid and its Mono-Me Ester

Interactions of 2-[(carboxymethyl)sulfanyl]-4-oxo-4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)butanoic acid (compound 1) and its mono-Me ester (compound 2) with the human serum albumin (HSA) have been studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. Comp. 1 exerts antiproliferative activity toward human tumor cells and significant selectivity (tumor vs. healthy cells) in vitro. Competitive binding study with warfarin and ibuprofen as binding site probes, revealed that one molecule of comp. 1 selectively binds to HSA Sudlow site I (warfarin site) with moderate binding constant (Kb = (2.8 ± 0.5) ´ 104 M-1 at 37 ± 1 °C), while comp. 2 binds to Sudlow site II (Kb = (3.2 ± 0.9) ´ 104 M-1 at 37 ± 1 °C). Fluorescence quenching at different temperatures was analyzed using classical Stern-Volmer equation, and a static quenching mechanism was proposed. Energy resonance transfer between HSA and comp. 1 was examined according to Förster’s non-radiative energy transfer theory. Distance of about 10 Å between ligand and Trp214 (HSA) was obtained. Docking studies confirmed HSA Sudlow site I as a preferable comp. 1 binding site, and Sudlow site II as comp. 2 binding site. Molecular dynamics simulations proved the stability of comp. 1/HSA complex.

Recent Advances in Target Characterization and Identification by Photoaffinity Probes

Target identification of biologically active molecules such as natural products, synthetic small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides mainly relies on affinity chromatography, activity-based probes, or photoaffinity labeling (PAL). Amongst them, activity-based probes and PAL have offered great advantages in target identification technology due to their ability to form covalent bonds with the corresponding targets. Activity-based probe technology mainly relies on the chemical reactivity of the target proteins, thereby limiting the majority of the biological targets to enzymes or proteins which display reactive residues at the probe-binding site. In general, the probes should bear a reactive moiety such as an epoxide, a Michael acceptor, or a reactive alkyl halide in their structures. On the other hand, photoaffinity probes (PAPs) are composed of a target-specific ligand and a photoactivatable functional group. When bound to the corresponding target proteins and activated with wavelength-specific light, PAPs generate highly reactive chemical species that covalently cross-link proximal amino acid residues. This process is better known as PAL and is widely employed to identify cellular targets of biologically active molecules. This review highlights recent advances in target identification by PAL, with a focus on the structure and chemistry of the photoaffinity probes developed in the recent decade, coupled to the target proteins identified using these probes.

Dumbbell-Shaped DNA Analytes Amplified by Polymerase Chain Reaction for Robust Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping by Affinity Capillary Electrophoresis

A sample preparation method was developed for single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping based on hybridization between a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) analyte and an allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probe. When the SNP site is located in the stable secondary structure, the folding of this analyte imposes kinetic penalties on the hybridization with the ASO probe. To address this issue, the sequence of the ssDNA analyte was converted from the original one so that the analyte exhibited a clear dumbbell-shaped structure composed of two stem-loop moieties and an unfolded probe-binding site. The as-prepared analyte was structurally favorable for hybridization with the ASO probe, irrespective of the original sequence and secondary structure of the analyte. The sequence conversion was easily achieved by polymerase chain reaction using forward and reverse primers having an additional sequence at the 5'-terminus. These ssDNA analytes were subjected to affinity capillary electrophoresis using a diblock copolymer probe composed of an ASO segment and a poly(ethylene glycol) segment. The 70-base dumbbell-shaped analytes with a single-base difference were clearly separated within 12 min, although the original ones exhibited almost no separation due to the undesired folding of the probe-binding site. This sample preparation method should open up a wide range of applications for the ASO probes in genetic analysis.

Synthesis of kojic acid derivatives as secondary binding site probes of d-amino acid oxidase

A series of kojic acid (5-hydroxy-2-hydroxymethyl-4H-pyran-4-one) derivatives were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO). Various substituents were incorporated into kojic acid at its 2-hydroxymethyl group. These analogs serve as useful molecular probes to explore the secondary binding site, which can be exploited in designing more potent DAAO inhibitors.

ITS1 Copy Number Varies among Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Strains: Implications for qPCR Estimates of Infection Intensity from Field-Collected Amphibian Skin Swabs

Genomic studies of the amphibian-killing fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, [Bd]) identified three highly divergent genetic lineages, only one of which has a global distribution. Bd strains within these linages show variable genomic content due to differential loss of heterozygosity and recombination. The current quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) protocol to detect the fungus from amphibian skin swabs targets the intergenic transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region using a TaqMan fluorescent probe specific to Bd. We investigated the consequences of genomic differences in the quantification of ITS1 from eight distinct Bd strains, including representatives from North America, South America, the Caribbean, and Australia. To test for potential differences in amplification, we compared qPCR standards made from Bd zoospore counts for each strain, and showed that they differ significantly in amplification rates. To test potential mechanisms leading to strain differences in qPCR reaction parameters (slope and y-intercept), we: a) compared standard curves from the same strains made from extracted Bd genomic DNA in equimolar solutions, b) quantified the number of ITS1 copies per zoospore using a standard curve made from PCR-amplicons of the ITS1 region, and c) cloned and sequenced PCR-amplified ITS1 regions from these same strains to verify the presence of the probe site in all haplotypes. We found high strain variability in ITS1 copy number, ranging from 10 to 144 copies per single zoospore. Our results indicate that genome size might explain strain differences in ITS1 copy number, but not ITS1 sequence variation because the probe-binding site and primers were conserved across all haplotypes. For standards constructed from uncharacterized Bd strains, we recommend the use of single ITS1 PCR-amplicons as the absolute standard in conjunction with current quantitative assays to inform on copy number variation and provide universal estimates of pathogen zoospore loads from field-caught amphibians.

An intronic polymorphic deletion in the PTEN gene: implications for molecular diagnostic testing

Background:A cohort of 629 patients with suspected Bannayan–Riley–Ruvalcaba syndrome or Cowden syndrome was tested for mutations in the PTEN gene.Methods:Dosage analysis of PTEN was carried out using a PTEN-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) kit, whereas point mutation analysis was performed using direct sequencing.Results:Approximately 4% of the patients from the testing cohort were heterozygously deleted for the two MLPA probe-binding sites situated in intron 1. The same deletion was subsequently seen in ∼3% of 220 normal controls, and in patients from the testing cohort with a causative mutation elsewhere in the PTEN gene. Sequencing of the variant revealed an 899 bp deletion, the 3′ breakpoint of which is only 58 bp from the start of exon 2.Conclusion:Although all evidence suggests that the 899 bp deletion is a polymorphism with no clinical effect, it removes the binding sites of almost all published PTEN exon 2 forward primers, resulting in allelic loss during PCR.

Development of a Multi-Target TaqMan Assay to Detect Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Variants in Mosquitoes

Disease outbreaks caused by eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV; Togaviridae, Alphavirus) may be prevented by implementing effective surveillance and intervention strategies directed against the mosquito vector. Methods for EEEV detection in mosquitoes include a real-time reverse transcriptase PCR technique (TaqMan assay), but we report its failure to detect variants isolated in Connecticut in 2011, due to a single base-pair mismatch in the probe-binding site. To improve the molecular detection of EEEV, we developed a multi-target TaqMan assay by adding a second primer/probe set to provide redundant targets for EEEV detection. The multi-target TaqMan assay had similar performance characteristics to the conventional assay, but also detected newly-evolving strains of EEEV. The approach described here increases the reliability of the TaqMan assay by creating back-up targets for virus detection without sacrificing sensitivity or specificity.

Newcastle Disease Virus in Pakistan: Genetic Characterization and Implication in Molecular Diagnosis

Newcastle disease (ND) is a fatal and contagious disease that poses a constant threat to the poultry industry around the globe. Due to the complex clinico-pathological picture and high genetic variability, the efficient diagnosis of NDV strains is a challenge. In an emerging wave of ND in the north of Pakistan, samples from six outbreaks in commercial poultry and two from healthy backyard poultry flocks were screened for NDV. A real-time PCR based on the fusion and polymerase genes of NDV detected all six isolates whereas a validated real-time PCR based on the matrix gene failed to detect any of these isolates, most likely due to substantial mismatches in the probe-binding site. All isolates have shown ICPI and MDT values similar to the velogenic form of NDV strains. The cleavage site in the F protein was found to be (112)RRQKR↓F(117), typical of virulent NDV. Phylogenetic reconstruction, based on fusion and matrix genes, provided enough evidences to consider these isolates as a new subgenotype within genotype VII. This study raised concerns about the genetic variability of NDV circulating in Pakistan, and sensitivity of the assays for the detection of the NDV isolates in clinical samples.

A radiolabeled nonapeptide probe targeting PC‐3 cells and bone metastases of prostate cancer in mice

Previous investigations showed that interleukin-11 (IL-11) and the IL-11 receptor (IL-11R) are correlated with regulation of tumor progression and may play significant roles in bone metastases. The nonapeptide structure c(CGRRAGGSC) is a phage-display-selected IL-11 mimic that binds to IL-11R. The aim of this study was to synthesize radiolabeled c(CGRRAGGSC) and to investigate the possible interaction between this radioactive probe and an IL-11R-positive bone metastasis model of PC-3 prostate cancer. The molecular probe (99m)Tc-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) was radiolabeled with (99m)Tc using the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) chelate. Counterstaining was performed with LSS670, a near-infrared dye. The binding sites of the molecular probe in PC-3 cells were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The binding characteristics of the labeled probe were analyzed using radioreceptor analysis. Single photon emission tomography imaging and biodistribution of the probe were investigated using xenografts of PC-3 cells into tibias of nude mice. The labeled product, (99m) Tc-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC), was obtained with high labeling efficiency, high radiochemical purity and good stability. The molecular probe was combined with the PC-3 cell membrane and cytoplasm through fluorescence tracing. In the saturation and competitive inhibition experiments performed in vitro, the K(d) value was 0.32 ± 0.02 n m and the B(max) value was 754 ± 34 fmol mg(-1) pro. The probe exhibited a high tumor uptake in vivo. The radioactive molecular probe (99m) Tc-DTPA-c(CGRRAGGSC) may be used as a specific molecular imaging agent for detecting IL-11R overexpression in tumors and bone metastasis, such as prostate cancers.

Genomic and biological characterization of a velogenic Newcastle disease virus isolated from a healthy backyard poultry flock in 2010

BackgroundNewcastle disease virus (NDV) causes severe and economically important disease in poultry around the globe. None of NDV strains in Pakistan have been completely characterized and the role of rural poultry in harbouring NDV is unclear. Since they have a very important role for long-term circulation of the virus, samples were collected from apparently healthy backyard poultry (BYP) flocks. These samples were biologically analyzed using mean death time (MDT) and intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI), whereas genotypically characterized by the real-time PCRs coupled with sequencing of the complete genome.FindingsDespite of being non-pathogenic for BYP, the isolate exhibited MDT of 49.6 h in embryonated chicken eggs and an ICPI value of 1.5. The F gene based real-time PCR was positive, whereas M-gene based was negative due to substantial changes in the probe-binding site. The entire genome of the isolate was found to be 15192 nucleotides long and encodes for six genes with an order of 3'-NP-P-M-F-HN-L-5'. The F protein cleavage site, an indicative of pathogenicity, was 112RRQKRF117. Complete genome comparison indicated that the RNA dependent RNA polymerase gene was the most and the phosphoprotein was least conserved gene, among all the genes. The isolate showed an Y526Q substitution in the HN protein, which determines neuraminidase receptor binding and fusion activity of NDV. Phylogenetic analysis, based on F and HN genes, classified this isolate into genotype VII, a predominant genotype responsible for ND outbreaks in Asian countries. However, it clustered well apart from other isolates in this genotype to be considered a new subgenotype (VII-f).ConclusionsThese results revealed that this isolate was similar to virulent strains of NDV and was avirulent in BYP either due to resistance of local breeds or due to other factors such as substantial mutations in the HN protein. Furthermore, we have characterized the first isolate of NDV, which could act as domestic reference strain and could help in development and selection of appropriate strain of NDV for vaccine in the country.