Blocking of exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP leads to reduced replication of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
The outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections and diseases represents a potential threat for worldwide spread and requires development of effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we revealed a novel positive function of an exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP 1 (cAMP-1; Epac-1) on MERS-CoV replication. Specifically, we have shown that Epac-specific inhibitor treatment or silencing Epac-1 gene expression rendered cells resistant to viral infection. We believe Epac-1 inhibitors deserve further study as potential therapeutic agents for MERS-CoV infection.
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, USA.
Xinrong
X
Tao
Feng
F
Mei
Anurodh
A
Agrawal
Clarence J
CJ
Peters
Thomas G
TG
Ksiazek
Xiaodong
X
Cheng
Chien-Te K
CT
Tseng
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002522:Chlorocebus aethiops; D017934:Coronavirus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D000242:Cyclic AMP / Q000378:metabolism*; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects*
D020662:Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors; C116122:RAPGEF3 protein, human; D000242:Cyclic AMP