Alanzi, A. R., Alajmi, M. F., Al-Dosari, M. S., Parvez, M. K., & Alqahtani, M. J. (2024). In silico exploration of deep-sea fungal metabolites as inhibitor of Ebola and Marburg VP35 and VP40. Plos one, 19(7), e0307579.
The answers to some of humanity’s greatest challenges have been found in the unlikeliest of places. A recent scientific expedition led researchers to the bottom of the ocean, where a glimmer of hope was lying in wait in the fight against some of the deadliest diseases: the Ebola and Marburg viruses.
Ebola and Marburg viruses are known to be extremely infectious and often lethal in humans and primates. The development of these diseases is complex and involves a systemic inflammatory response. Once inside a host cell, the virus commandeers its cellular machinery and utilizes it to produce viral proteins, including those necessary for replication. These proteins create new virus particles that are released from the infected cell, causing it to die, and go on to infect and replicate in neighboring cells. This leads to a rapid increase in the viral load, overwhelming the immune system and damaging multiple organs. The immune system is ineffective in combating these infections and as the disease progresses, symptoms worsen and critical organs cease to function, leading to multiple organ failure, shock, and eventually death.
Scientists know the killer compound of these viruses lies in their specific proteins, VP35 and VP40. They are essential in the replication and propagation of more viral bodies. That is why they were the focus of a recent study published in the journal PLoS ONE in July of 2024. This study delves into the potential of deep-sea fungal metabolites – essentially, the chemical byproducts produced by these deep sea organisms – as a source of new medicine.
Deep sea fungi have an incredible ability to thrive in the harshest environmental conditions. Extreme pressure, low temperatures, and utter darkness lead to a plethora of unique physiological characteristics and distinct chemical structures. The metabolites they produce as a result of their existence have long intrigued scientists because of their potential antiviral capabilities. This study put the powers of these bioactive substances to the test against the target viral proteins found in Ebola and Marburg – with impressive methods.
Researchers employed a sophisticated computational technique called molecular docking. Picture it as a sort of puzzle game where researchers try to fit these fungal metabolites, like oddly shaped blocks, into specific crevices on the surface of the viruses. A perfect fit could potentially disrupt the virus’s ability to function, rendering it harmless.
But the journey wasn’t a simple one. Imagine having millions of different blocks to test! To accelerate the process, the researchers utilized virtual screening, a computational method that sifts through vast libraries of potential drug candidates, prioritizing the fungal metabolites with the most promising shapes for binding to the virus.
After this digital sifting, the most promising candidates were subjected to further scrutiny using molecular dynamics simulations. This technique allows scientists to virtually “play back” the interactions between the metabolites and the virus at an atomic level, observing how they move and bind over time. It’s like watching a microscopic ballet in slow motion!
The results are incredibly encouraging. The study identified several deep sea fungal metabolites that appear to bind effectively to crucial regions of the Ebola and Marburg viruses. They found that the compounds bind to a conserved region of the viral protein, which is essential for viral replication. The authors suggest that the compounds may even be able to inhibit the replication of other viruses in the same family as Ebola and Marburg.
While not necessarily a cure, this could lead to the development of an improved treatment that inhibits the growth and replication of these viruses within the human body. More research is necessary before these findings could be implemented in a clinical trial, but it’s a promising start.
Somehow, a place kept in perpetual darkness has shined a light in the world above. This is a massive reason why the conservation of the oceans is crucial to humanity’s own survival. Unexplored regions like the deep sea hold immense promise to protect and care for our species – but only if we choose to protect and care for it too.
I’m a California native with a lifelong curiosity for all things related to the ocean. I got my bachelors in Marine Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz, and I’m currently pursuing a masters degree in Animal Science at the University of Idaho where my main focus of study is fish nutrition in aquaculture. My favorite subject to study outside of school is the deep sea. I enjoy learning about new mind boggling species, the latest discoveries of the deep, and the history of deep sea pioneers, research and technology. If I’m not studying the mysteries of the ocean, I’m probably roller skating or watching scary movies.
