Biology subjects

Astori, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Astori, A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Systematic genome-scale identification of host factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection across models yields a core single gene dependency; ACE2

SARS-CoV-2, depends on host cell components for replication, therefore the identification of virus-host dependencies offers an effective way to elucidate mechanisms involved in viral infection. Such host factors may be necessary for infection and replication of SARS-CoV-2 and, if druggable, presents an attractive strategy for anti-viral therapy. We performed genome wide CRISPR knockout screens in Vero E6 cells and 4 human cell lines including Calu-3, Caco-2, Hek293 and Huh7 to identify genetic regulators of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our findings identified only ACE2, the cognate SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, as a common host dependency factor across all cell lines, while all other host genes identified were cell line specific including known factors TMPRSS2 and CTSL. Several of the discovered host-dependency factors converged on pathways involved in cell signalling, lipid metabolism, immune pathways and chromatin modulation. Notably, chromatin modulator genes KMT2C and KDM6A in Calu-3 cells had the strongest impact in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection when perturbed. Overall, the network of host factors that have been identified will be broadly applicable to understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on human cells and facilitate the development of host-directed therapies. IN BRIEFSARS-CoV-2, depends on host cell components for infection and replication. Genome-wide CRISPR screens were performed in multiple human cell lines to elucidate common host dependencies required for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Only ACE2, the cognate SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor, was common amongst cell lines, while all other host genes identified were cell line specific, several of which converged on pathways involved in cell signalling, lipid metabolism, immune pathways, and chromatin modulation. Overall, a network of host factors was identified that will be broadly applicable to understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on human cells and facilitate productive targeting of host genes and pathways. HIGHLIGHTS- Genome-wide CRISPR screens for SARS-CoV-2 in multiple human cell lines - Identification of wide-ranging cell-type dependent genetic dependencies for SARS-CoV-2 infection - ACE2 is the only common host factor identified across different cell types

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2020

A SARS-CoV-2 - host proximity interactome

Viral replication is dependent on interactions between viral polypeptides and host proteins. Identifying virus-host protein interactions can thus uncover unique opportunities for interfering with the virus life cycle via novel drug compounds or drug repurposing. Importantly, many viral-host protein interactions take place at intracellular membranes and poorly soluble organelles, which are difficult to profile using classical biochemical purification approaches. Applying proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) with the fast-acting miniTurbo enzyme to 27 SARS-CoV-2 proteins in a lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549), we detected 7810 proximity interactions (7382 of which are new for SARS-CoV-2) with 2242 host proteins (results available at covid19interactome.org). These results complement and dramatically expand upon recent affinity purification-based studies identifying stable host-virus protein complexes, and offer an unparalleled view of membrane-associated processes critical for viral production. Host cell organellar markers were also subjected to BioID in parallel, allowing us to propose modes of action for several viral proteins in the context of host proteome remodelling. In summary, our dataset identifies numerous high confidence proximity partners for SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, and describes potential mechanisms for their effects on specific host cell functions.

systems biology↗

bioRxiv2020

A SARS-CoV-2 BioID-based virus-host membrane protein interactome and virus peptide compendium: new proteomics resources for COVID-19 research

Key steps of viral replication take place at host cell membranes, but the detection of membrane-associated protein-protein interactions using standard affinity-based approaches (e.g. immunoprecipitation coupled with mass spectrometry, IP-MS) is challenging. To learn more about SARS-CoV-2 - host protein interactions that take place at membranes, we utilized a complementary technique, proximity-dependent biotin labeling (BioID). This approach uncovered a virus-host topology network comprising 3566 proximity interactions amongst 1010 host proteins, highlighting extensive virus protein crosstalk with: (i) host protein folding and modification machinery; (ii) membrane-bound vesicles and organelles, and; (iii) lipid trafficking pathways and ER-organelle membrane contact sites. The design and implementation of sensitive mass spectrometric approaches for the analysis of complex biological samples is also important for both clinical and basic research proteomics focused on the study of COVID-19. To this end, we conducted a mass spectrometry-based characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virion and infected cell lysates, identifying 189 unique high-confidence virus tryptic peptides derived from 17 different virus proteins, to create a high quality resource for use in targeted proteomics approaches. Together, these datasets comprise a valuable resource for MS-based SARS-CoV-2 research, and identify novel virus-host protein interactions that could be targeted in COVID-19 therapeutics.

cell biology↗