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Zhang DW, Xu XS, Xie L, Xu L, Fu Z, Li Y, Xu X. Natural product sennoside B disrupts liquid-liquid phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein by inhibiting its RNA-binding activity. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2025; 40:2501743. [PMID: 40371698 PMCID: PMC12082725 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2025.2501743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2025] [Revised: 04/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/16/2025] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (NP) of SARS-CoV-2, an RNA-binding protein, is capable of undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) during viral infection, which plays a crucial role in virus assembly, replication, and immune regulation. In this study, we developed a homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence (HTRF) method for identifying inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 NP-RNA interaction. Using this HTRF-based approach, we identified two natural products, sennoside A and sennoside B, as effective blockers of this interaction. Bio-layer interferometry assays confirmed that both sennosides directly bind to the NP, with binding sites located within the C-terminal domain. Additionally, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) experiments revealed that sennoside B significantly inhibited RNA-induced LLPS of the NP, while sennoside A displayed comparatively weaker activity. Thus, the developed HTRF-based assay is a valuable tool for identifying novel compounds that disrupt the RNA-binding activity and LLPS of the SARS-CoV-2 NP. Our findings may facilitate the development of antiviral drugs targeting SARS-CoV-2 NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da-Wei Zhang
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Shuang Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Liangxu Xie
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
| | - Zhiguo Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, China
| | - Yimin Li
- College of Pharmacy and Key Laboratory for Research and Development of "Qin Medicine" of Shaanxi Administration of Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xixian New District, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China
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2
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Peralta‐Martinez R, Visentin A, Salgueiro M, Borkosky SS, Aleixo MAA, Portugal RV, Sanchez IE, Prat‐Gay G. Protein-RNA condensation kinetics via filamentous nanoclusters. Protein Sci 2025; 34:e70136. [PMID: 40411406 PMCID: PMC12102730 DOI: 10.1002/pro.70136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2025] [Accepted: 04/08/2025] [Indexed: 05/26/2025]
Abstract
Protein-RNA phase separation is at the center of membraneless biomolecular condensates governing cell physiology and pathology. Using an archetypical viral protein-RNA condensation model, we determined the sequence of events that starts with sub-second formation of a protomer with two RNAs per protein dimer. Association of additional RNA molecules to weaker secondary binding sites in this protomer kickstarts crystallization-like assembly of a molecular condensate. Primary nucleation is faster than the sum of secondary nucleation and growth, which is a multistep process. Protein-RNA nuclei grow over hundreds of seconds into filaments and subsequently into nanoclusters with approximately 600 nm diameter. Cryoelectron microscopy reveals an internal structure formed by incoming layers of protein-RNA filaments made of ribonucleoprotein oligomers, reminiscent of genome packing of a nucleocapsid. These nanoclusters progress to liquid condensate droplets that undergo further partial coalescence to yield typical hydrogel-like protein-RNA coacervates that may represent the scaffold of large viral factory condensates in infected cells. Our integrated experimental kinetic investigation exposes rate-limiting steps and structures along a key biological multistep pathway present across life kingdoms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Araceli Visentin
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIB‐BA, CONICETBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | | | | | - Rodrigo Villares Portugal
- Brazilian Nanotechnology National Laboratory, CNPEMCampinasBrazil
- Biotechnoscience Program, Federal University of ABCSanto AndréBrazil
- Bioimaging and Biostructure Technologies Program, Federal University of Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil
| | - Ignacio Enrique Sanchez
- Laboratorio de Fisiología de Proteínas, Instituto de Química Biológica‐Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales IQUIBICEN‐Conicet, Universidad de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Gonzalo Prat‐Gay
- Fundación Instituto Leloir, IIB‐BA, CONICETBuenos AiresArgentina
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3
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Loonen S, van Steenis L, Bauer M, Šoštarić N. Phosphorylation Changes SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein's Structural Dynamics and Its Interaction With RNA. Proteins 2025. [PMID: 40375582 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2025] [Accepted: 05/07/2025] [Indexed: 05/18/2025]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein, or N-protein, is a structural protein that plays an important role in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle. The N-protein takes part in the regulation of viral RNA replication and drives highly specific packaging of full-length genomic RNA prior to virion formation. One regulatory mechanism that is proposed to drive the switch between these two operating modes is the phosphorylation state of the N-protein. Here, we assess the dynamic behavior of non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated versions of the N-protein homodimer through atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. We show that the introduction of phosphorylation yields a more dynamic protein structure and decreases the binding affinity between the N-protein and RNA. Furthermore, we find that secondary structure is essential for the preferential binding of particular RNA elements from the 5' UTR of the viral genome to the N-terminal domain of the N-protein. Altogether, we provide detailed molecular insights into N-protein dynamics, N-protein:RNA interactions, and phosphorylation. Our results corroborate the hypothesis that phosphorylation of the N-protein serves as a regulatory mechanism that determines N-protein function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Loonen
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Lina van Steenis
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Marianne Bauer
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, HZ, the Netherlands
| | - Nikolina Šoštarić
- Department of Bionanoscience, Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, Delft University of Technology, Delft, HZ, the Netherlands
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4
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Liustrovaite V, Ratautaite V, Ramanaviciene A, Ramanavicius A. Detection of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein by electrochemical biosensor based on molecularly imprinted polypyrrole formed on self-assembled monolayer. Biosens Bioelectron 2025; 272:117092. [PMID: 39787822 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.117092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 12/12/2024] [Accepted: 12/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2025]
Abstract
Herein, we report the development and characterisation of an electrochemical biosensor with a polypyrrole (Ppy)-based molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for the serological detection of the recombinant nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 (rN). The electrochemical biosensor utilises a Ppy-based MIP formed on a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) at the gold interface to enhance Ppy layer stability on the screen-printed electrode (SPE). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) were employed for the electrochemical characterisation of screen-printed gold electrodes (SPGEs) modified with MIP or non-imprinted polymer (NIP) layers. Removing the rN protein template from the MIP layer increased electron transfer and decreased impedance, indicating the specificity of molecular imprinting. The electrochemical biosensor with a Ppy-based MIP exhibited higher sensitivity than the NIP counterpart, demonstrating its potential for selective rN protein detection. The limit of detection 0.4 nM and 0.2 nM and the limit of quantification 1.3 nM and 0.66 nM values obtained through SWV and EIS, respectively, highlight the biosensor's ability to detect low target protein concentrations. The specificity test confirmed minimal nonspecific binding, reinforcing the reliability of the novel electrochemical sensor with a Ppy-based MIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktorija Liustrovaite
- NanoTechnas - Center of Nanotechnology and Materials Science, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University (VU), Naugarduko St. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University (VU), Naugarduko St. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Vilma Ratautaite
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University (VU), Naugarduko St. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences (FTMC), Sauletekio Ave. 3, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Almira Ramanaviciene
- NanoTechnas - Center of Nanotechnology and Materials Science, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University (VU), Naugarduko St. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Arunas Ramanavicius
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Geosciences, Vilnius University (VU), Naugarduko St. 24, LT-03225, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Nanotechnology, State Research Institute Center for Physical and Technological Sciences (FTMC), Sauletekio Ave. 3, LT-10257, Vilnius, Lithuania.
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5
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Ganar KA, Nandy M, Turbina P, Chen C, Suylen D, Nihoul E, Pascoe EL, van der Beelen S, Plaum M, van den Bos L, Koenraadt CJM, Dijkgraaf I, Deshpande S. Phase separation and ageing of glycine-rich protein from tick adhesive. Nat Chem 2025; 17:186-197. [PMID: 39613868 PMCID: PMC11794139 DOI: 10.1038/s41557-024-01686-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/01/2024]
Abstract
Hard ticks feed on their host for multiple days. To ensure firm attachment, they secrete a protein-rich saliva that eventually forms a solid cement cone. The underlying mechanism of this liquid-to-solid transition is currently not understood. This study focuses on the phase transitions of a disordered glycine-rich protein (GRP) found in tick saliva. We show that GRP undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation via simple coacervation to form biomolecular condensates in salty environments. Cation-π and π-π interactions mediated by periodically placed arginine and aromatic amino-acid residues are the primary driving forces that promote phase separation. Interestingly, GRP condensates exhibit ageing by undergoing liquid-to-gel transition over time and exhibit adhesive properties, similar to the naturally occurring cement cone. Finally, we provide evidence for protein-rich condensates in natural tick saliva. Our findings provide a starting point to gain further insights into the bioadhesion of ticks, to develop novel tick control strategies, and towards achieving biomedical applications such as tissue sealants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ketan A Ganar
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Manali Nandy
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Polina Turbina
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Chang Chen
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Suylen
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Elisa Nihoul
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Emily Louise Pascoe
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands
- Conservation Genomics Research Unit, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele All'Adige, Trento, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Ingrid Dijkgraaf
- Department of Biochemistry, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Siddharth Deshpande
- Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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6
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Berliand AN, Anufriev PL, Kanibolotskiy AA. [Diffuse changes in the brain in the acute phase of COVID-19 and after infection]. Arkh Patol 2025; 87:5-15. [PMID: 39943723 DOI: 10.17116/patol2025870115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2025]
Abstract
There is no consolidated opinion on the pathogenesis of neurological manifestations of COVID-19, especially after infection. A significant contribution to understanding the mechanisms of neuropathology in COVID-19 can be made by detailed morphologic studies of the brain with assessment of changes in different brain regions during different periods of the infection process. OBJECTIVE Clarification of the nature of brain morphologic changes and intracerebral virus invasion in COVID-19 and postinfection. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 15 patients who died during the acute phase of COVID-19 (11 people) or after an infection (4 people) without a history of acute focal changes in the brain or neurological diseases. In each case, 9 brain areas were assessed, including the cortex, hippocampus, brainstem (pons and medulla oblongata), cerebellum, basal ganglia, and central parts of the olfactory system. In addition to the histological study, an immunohistochemical study was performed using antibodies against CD8, Iba1, as well as SARS-CoV-2 proteins (S1 and N) and a semi-quantitative assessment of circulatory disorders, microglial reaction and expression of the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein in the brain. RESULTS The neuropathological picture was similar in the acute and post-infectious phases of COVID-19: microcirculatory disorders, diffuse cerebral edema, ischemic-hypoxic neuronal changes, accumulations of corpora amylacea, gliosis, small mainly perivascular lymphocytic infiltrates with a predominance of CD8+ T cells, moderate microglial reaction, accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein in the brain. The N protein of the virus was not detected in the brain. The most pronounced changes were observed in the brainstem, especially in the medulla oblongata, and the cerebellum. The severity of structural changes did not correlate with disease duration. S1 protein expression in the brain did not correlate with the severity of the microglial response or disease duration. CONCLUSION The identified neuropathological changes in COVID-19 in the acute and post-infectious phases are nonspecific with a predominance of vascular disorders and microglial reaction and are most pronounced in the brain stem and cerebellum. The SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein can accumulate in neurons and be detected in the brain a year or more after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - A A Kanibolotskiy
- Sklifosovsky Research Institute For Emergency Medicine, Moscow, Russia
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7
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Zhang Y, Jin C, Xu X, Guo J, Wang L. The role of liquid-liquid phase separation in the disease pathogenesis and drug development. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 180:117448. [PMID: 39307116 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 11/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Misfolding and aggregation of specific proteins are associated with liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and these protein aggregates can interfere with normal cellular functions and even lead to cell death, possibly affecting gene expression regulation and cell proliferation. Therefore, understanding the role of LLPS in disease may help to identify new mechanisms or therapeutic targets and provide new strategies for disease treatment. There are several ways to disrupt LLPS, including screening small molecules or small molecule drugs to target the upstream signaling pathways that regulate the LLPS process, selectively dissolve and destroy RNA droplets or protein aggregates, regulate the conformation of mutant protein, activate the protein degradation pathway to remove harmful protein aggregates. Furthermore, harnessing the mechanism of LLPS can improve drug development, including preparing different kinds of drug delivery carriers (microneedles, nanodrugs, imprints), regulating drug internalization and penetration behaviors, screening more drugs to overcome drug resistance and enhance receptor signaling. This review initially explores the correlation between aberrant LLPS and disease, highlighting the pivotal role of LLPS in preparing drug development. Ultimately, a comprehensive investigation into drug-mediated regulation of LLPS processes holds significant scientific promise for disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China; Geriatric Medicine Center, Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Chengkang Jin
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China
| | - Xiaoling Xu
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, PR China.
| | - Junping Guo
- Rainbowfish Rehabilitation and nursing school, Hangzhou Vocational & Technical College, Hangzhou 310018, China.
| | - Lijun Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, PR China; Geriatric Medicine Center, Department of Endocrinology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital), Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
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8
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Bezerra PR, Almeida FCL. Structural basis for the participation of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in the template switch mechanism and genomic RNA reorganization. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107834. [PMID: 39343000 PMCID: PMC11541846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 09/17/2024] [Accepted: 09/18/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant toll of deaths worldwide, exceeding seven million individuals, prompting intensive research efforts aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the rapid development of effective vaccines and therapeutic interventions, COVID-19 remains a threat to humans due to the emergence of novel variants and largely unknown long-term consequences. Among the viral proteins, the nucleocapsid protein (N) stands out as the most conserved and abundant, playing the primary role in nucleocapsid assembly and genome packaging. The N protein is promiscuous for the recognition of RNA, yet it can perform specific functions. Here, we discuss the structural basis of specificity, which is directly linked to its regulatory role. Notably, the RNA chaperone activity of N is central to its multiple roles throughout the viral life cycle. This activity encompasses double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) annealing and melting and facilitates template switching, enabling discontinuous transcription. N also promotes the formation of membrane-less compartments through liquid-liquid phase separation, thereby facilitating the congregation of the replication and transcription complex. Considering the information available regarding the catalytic activities and binding signatures of the N protein-RNA interaction, this review focuses on the regulatory role of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein. We emphasize the participation of the N protein in discontinuous transcription, template switching, and RNA chaperone activity, including double-stranded RNA melting and annealing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Bezerra
- Program of Structural Biology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fabio C L Almeida
- Program of Structural Biology, Institute of Medical Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; National Center of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (CNRMN), CENABIO, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
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9
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Laughlin PM, Young K, Gonzalez-Gutierrez G, Wang JCY, Zlotnick A. A narrow ratio of nucleic acid to SARS-CoV-2 N-protein enables phase separation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107831. [PMID: 39343003 PMCID: PMC11541828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein (N) is a viral structural protein that packages the 30 kb genomic RNA inside virions and forms condensates within infected cells through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). In both soluble and condensed forms, N has accessory roles in the viral life cycle including genome replication and immunosuppression. The ability to perform these tasks depends on phase separation and its reversibility. The conditions that stabilize and destabilize N condensates and the role of N-N interactions are poorly understood. We have investigated LLPS formation and dissolution in a minimalist system comprised of N protein and an ssDNA oligomer just long enough to support assembly. The short oligo allows us to focus on the role of N-N interaction. We have developed a sensitive FRET assay to interrogate LLPS assembly reactions from the perspective of the oligonucleotide. We find that N alone can form oligomers but that oligonucleotide enables their assembly into a three-dimensional phase. At a ∼1:1 ratio of N to oligonucleotide, LLPS formation is maximal. We find that a modest excess of N or of nucleic acid causes the LLPS to break down catastrophically. Under the conditions examined here, assembly has a critical concentration of about 1 μM. The responsiveness of N condensates to their environment may have biological consequences. A better understanding of how nucleic acid modulates N-N association will shed light on condensate activity and could inform antiviral strategies targeting LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick M Laughlin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Kimberly Young
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Joseph C-Y Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.
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Zhu J, Liu G, Sayyad Z, Goins CM, Stauffer SR, Gack MU. ISGylation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein by HERC5 impedes N oligomerization and thereby viral RNA synthesis. J Virol 2024; 98:e0086924. [PMID: 39194248 PMCID: PMC11406920 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00869-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like protein, is covalently conjugated to host immune proteins such as MDA5 and IRF3 in a process called ISGylation, thereby promoting type I IFN induction to limit the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, whether SARS-CoV-2 proteins can be directly targeted for ISGylation remains elusive. In this study, we identified the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a major substrate of ISGylation catalyzed by the host E3 ligase HERC5; however, N ISGylation is readily removed through deISGylation by the papain-like protease (PLpro) activity of NSP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that the N protein undergoes ISGylation at four lysine residues (K266, K355, K387, and K388), and mutational analysis of these sites in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon (N-4KR) abolished N ISGylation and alleviated ISGylation-mediated inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, our results indicated that HERC5 targets preferentially phosphorylated N protein for ISGylation to regulate its oligomeric assembly. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the host ISGylation machinery directly targets SARS-CoV-2 proteins to restrict viral replication and illuminate how an intricate interplay of host (HERC5) and viral (PLpro) enzymes coordinates viral protein ISGylation and thereby regulates virus replication.IMPORTANCEThe role of protein ISGylation in regulating host cellular processes has been studied extensively; however, how ISG15 conjugation influences the activity of viral proteins, particularly coronaviral proteins, is largely unknown. Our study uncovered that the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 is ISGylated by the HERC5 ISGylation machinery and that this modification impedes the functional assembly of N into oligomers ultimately inhibiting viral RNA synthesis. This antiviral restriction mechanism is antagonized by the PLpro deISGylation activity of SARS-CoV-2 NSP3. This study deepens our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 protein regulation by posttranslational modifications and may open new avenues for designing antiviral strategies for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zuberwasim Sayyad
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
| | - Christopher M. Goins
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Shaun R. Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michaela U. Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA
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11
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Manish M, Pahuja M, Lynn AM, Mishra S. RNA-binding domain of SARS-CoV2 nucleocapsid: MD simulation study of the effect of the proline substitutions P67S and P80R on the structure of the protein. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2024; 42:7637-7649. [PMID: 37526269 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2240904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid component of SARS-CoV2 is involved in the viral genome packaging. GammaP.1(Brazil) and the 20 C-US(USA) variants had a high frequency of the P80R and P67S mutations respectively in the RNA-binding domain of the nucleocapsid. Since RNA-binding domain participates in the electrostatic interactions with the viral genome, the study of the effects of proline substitutions on the flexibility of the protein will be meaningful. It evinced that the trajectory of the wildtype and mutants was stable during the simulation and exhibited distinct changes in the flexibility of the protein. Moreover, the beta-hairpin loop region of the protein structures exhibited high amplitude fluctuations and dominant motions. Additionally, modulations were detected in the drug binding site. Besides, the extent of correlation and anti-correlation motions involving the protruding region, helix, and the other RNA binding sites differed between the wildtype and mutants. The secondary structure analysis disclosed the variation in the occurrence pattern of the secondary structure elements between the proteins. Protein-ssRNA interaction analysis was also done to detect the amino acid contacts with ssRNA. R44, R59, and Y61 residues of the wildtype and P80R mutant exhibited different duration contacts with the ssRNA. It was also noticed that R44, R59, and Y61 of the wildtype and P80R formed hydrogen bonds with the ssRNA. However in P67S, residues T43, R44, R45, R40, R59, and R41 displayed contacts and formed hydrogen bonds with ssRNA. Binding free energy was also calculated and was lowest for P67S than wildtype andP80R. Thus, proline substitutions influence the structure of the RNA-binding domain and may modulate viral genome packaging besides the host-immune response.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Manish
- School of Computational & Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Monika Pahuja
- BMS, Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Andrew M Lynn
- School of Computational & Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Smriti Mishra
- School of Computational & Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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12
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Mouland AJ, Chau BA, Uversky VN. Methodological approaches to studying phase separation and HIV-1 replication: Current and future perspectives. Methods 2024; 229:147-155. [PMID: 39002735 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2024.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024] Open
Abstract
This article reviews tried-and-tested methodologies that have been employed in the first studies on phase separating properties of structural, RNA-binding and catalytic proteins of HIV-1. These are described here to stimulate interest for any who may want to initiate similar studies on virus-mediated liquid-liquid phase separation. Such studies serve to better understand the life cycle and pathogenesis of viruses and open the door to new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Mouland
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Bao-An Chau
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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13
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Botova M, Camacho-Zarco AR, Tognetti J, Bessa LM, Guseva S, Mikkola E, Salvi N, Maurin D, Herrmann T, Blackledge M. A specific phosphorylation-dependent conformational switch in SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein inhibits RNA binding. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eaax2323. [PMID: 39093972 PMCID: PMC11296341 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aax2323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 encapsidates the viral genome and is essential for viral function. The central disordered domain comprises a serine-arginine-rich (SR) region that is hyperphosphorylated in infected cells. This modification regulates function, although mechanistic details remain unknown. We use nuclear magnetic resonance to follow structural changes occurring during hyperphosphorylation by serine arginine protein kinase 1, glycogen synthase kinase 3, and casein kinase 1, that abolishes interaction with RNA. When eight approximately uniformly distributed sites have been phosphorylated, the SR domain binds the same interface as single-stranded RNA, resulting in complete inhibition of RNA binding. Phosphorylation by protein kinase A does not prevent RNA binding, indicating that the pattern resulting from physiologically relevant kinases is specific for inhibition. Long-range contacts between the RNA binding, linker, and dimerization domains are abrogated, phenomena possibly related to genome packaging and unpackaging. This study provides insight into the recruitment of specific host kinases to regulate viral function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Emmi Mikkola
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | | | - Damien Maurin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Torsten Herrmann
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, F-38000 Grenoble, France
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14
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Nguyen A, Zhao H, Myagmarsuren D, Srinivasan S, Wu D, Chen J, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Modulation of biophysical properties of nucleocapsid protein in the mutant spectrum of SARS-CoV-2. eLife 2024; 13:RP94836. [PMID: 38941236 PMCID: PMC11213569 DOI: 10.7554/elife.94836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity is a hallmark of RNA viruses and the basis for their evolutionary success. Taking advantage of the uniquely large genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, we examine the impact of mutations across the spectrum of viable amino acid sequences on the biophysical phenotypes of the highly expressed and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein. We find variation in the physicochemical parameters of its extended intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sufficient to allow local plasticity, but also observe functional constraints that similarly occur in related coronaviruses. In biophysical experiments with several N-protein species carrying mutations associated with major variants, we find that point mutations in the IDRs can have nonlocal impact and modulate thermodynamic stability, secondary structure, protein oligomeric state, particle formation, and liquid-liquid phase separation. In the Omicron variant, distant mutations in different IDRs have compensatory effects in shifting a delicate balance of interactions controlling protein assembly properties, and include the creation of a new protein-protein interaction interface in the N-terminal IDR through the defining P13L mutation. A picture emerges where genetic diversity is accompanied by significant variation in biophysical characteristics of functional N-protein species, in particular in the IDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Dulguun Myagmarsuren
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
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15
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Zhao H, Syed AM, Khalid MM, Nguyen A, Ciling A, Wu D, Yau WM, Srinivasan S, Esposito D, Doudna J, Piszczek G, Ott M, Schuck P. Assembly of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with nucleic acid. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:6647-6661. [PMID: 38587193 PMCID: PMC11194069 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 is packaged by the nucleocapsid (N-)protein into ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), 38 ± 10 of which are contained in each virion. Their architecture has remained unclear due to the pleomorphism of RNPs, the high flexibility of N-protein intrinsically disordered regions, and highly multivalent interactions between viral RNA and N-protein binding sites in both N-terminal (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD). Here we explore critical interaction motifs of RNPs by applying a combination of biophysical techniques to ancestral and mutant proteins binding different nucleic acids in an in vitro assay for RNP formation, and by examining nucleocapsid protein variants in a viral assembly assay. We find that nucleic acid-bound N-protein dimers oligomerize via a recently described protein-protein interface presented by a transient helix in its long disordered linker region between NTD and CTD. The resulting hexameric complexes are stabilized by multivalent protein-nucleic acid interactions that establish crosslinks between dimeric subunits. Assemblies are stabilized by the dimeric CTD of N-protein offering more than one binding site for stem-loop RNA. Our study suggests a model for RNP assembly where N-protein scaffolding at high density on viral RNA is followed by cooperative multimerization through protein-protein interactions in the disordered linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Abdullah M Syed
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Mir M Khalid
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alison Ciling
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Wai-Ming Yau
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Jennifer A Doudna
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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16
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Stuwe H, Reardon PN, Yu Z, Shah S, Hughes K, Barbar EJ. Phosphorylation in the Ser/Arg-rich region of the nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 regulates phase separation by inhibiting self-association of a distant helix. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107354. [PMID: 38718862 PMCID: PMC11180338 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for virus replication, genome packaging, evading host immunity, and virus maturation. N is a multidomain protein composed of an independently folded monomeric N-terminal domain that is the primary site for RNA binding and a dimeric C-terminal domain that is essential for efficient phase separation and condensate formation with RNA. The domains are separated by a disordered Ser/Arg-rich region preceding a self-associating Leu-rich helix. Phosphorylation in the Ser/Arg region in infected cells decreases the viscosity of N:RNA condensates promoting viral replication and host immune evasion. The molecular level effect of phosphorylation, however, is missing from our current understanding. Using NMR spectroscopy and analytical ultracentrifugation, we show that phosphorylation destabilizes the self-associating Leu-rich helix 30 amino-acids distant from the phosphorylation site. NMR and gel shift assays demonstrate that RNA binding by the linker is dampened by phosphorylation, whereas RNA binding to the full-length protein is not significantly affected presumably due to retained strong interactions with the primary RNA-binding domain. Introducing a switchable self-associating domain to replace the Leu-rich helix confirms the importance of linker self-association to droplet formation and suggests that phosphorylation not only increases solubility of the positively charged elongated Ser/Arg region as observed in other RNA-binding proteins but can also inhibit self-association of the Leu-rich helix. These data highlight the effect of phosphorylation both at local sites and at a distant self-associating hydrophobic helix in regulating liquid-liquid phase separation of the entire protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Stuwe
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Sahana Shah
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA
| | - Elisar J Barbar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.
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17
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Campanile M, Kurtul ED, Dec R, Möbitz S, Del Vecchio P, Petraccone L, Tatzelt J, Oliva R, Winter R. Morphological Transformations of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Biocondensates Mediated by Antimicrobial Peptides. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202400048. [PMID: 38483823 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202400048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the discovery of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as excellent candidates for overcoming antibiotic resistance has attracted significant attention. AMPs are short peptides active against bacteria, cancer cells, and viruses. It has been shown that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-P) undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation in the presence of RNA, resulting in biocondensate formation. These biocondensates are crucial for viral replication as they concentrate the viral RNA with the host cell's protein machinery required for viral protein expression. Thus, N-P biocondensates are promising targets to block or slow down viral RNA transcription and consequently virion assembly. We investigated the ability of three AMPs to interfere with N-P/RNA condensates. Using microscopy techniques, supported by biophysical characterization, we found that the AMP LL-III partitions into the condensate, leading to clustering. Instead, the AMP CrACP1 partitions into the droplets without affecting their morphology but reducing their dynamics. Conversely, GKY20 leads to the formation of fibrillar structures after partitioning. It can be expected that such morphological transformation severely impairs the normal functionality of the N-P droplets and thus virion assembly. These results could pave the way for the development of a new class of AMP-based antiviral agents targeting biocondensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campanile
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Emine Dila Kurtul
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Robert Dec
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Simone Möbitz
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Pompea Del Vecchio
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Petraccone
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Jörg Tatzelt
- Department Biochemistry of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Ruhr University Bochum, 44801, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rosario Oliva
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Via Cintia, 26, 80126, Naples, Italy
| | - Roland Winter
- Physical Chemistry I - Biophysical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse 4a, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
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18
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Zhu J, Liu G, Goins CM, Stauffer SR, Gack MU. ISGylation of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein by HERC5 impedes N oligomerization and thereby viral RNA synthesis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.15.594393. [PMID: 39149229 PMCID: PMC11326284 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.15.594393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), a ubiquitin-like protein, is covalently conjugated to host (immune) proteins such as MDA5 and IRF3 in a process called ISGylation, thereby limiting the replication of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, whether SARS-CoV-2 proteins can be directly targeted for ISGylation remains elusive. In this study, we identified the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 as a major substrate of ISGylation catalyzed by the host E3 ligase HERC5; however, N ISGylation is readily removed through de-ISGylation by the papain-like protease (PLpro) activity of NSP3. Mass spectrometry analysis identified that the N protein undergoes ISGylation at four lysine residues (K266, K355, K387 and K388), and mutational analysis of these sites in the context of a SARS-CoV-2 replicon (N-4KR) abolished N ISGylation and alleviated ISGylation-mediated inhibition of viral RNA synthesis. Furthermore, our results indicated that HERC5 targets preferentially phosphorylated N protein for ISGylation to regulate its oligomeric assembly. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which the host ISGylation machinery directly targets SARS-CoV-2 proteins to restrict viral replication and illuminate how an intricate interplay of host (HERC5) and viral (PLpro) enzymes coordinates viral protein ISGylation and thereby regulates virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Zhu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
| | - GuanQun Liu
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Christopher M. Goins
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Shaun R. Stauffer
- Center for Therapeutics Discovery, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Michaela U. Gack
- Florida Research and Innovation Center, Cleveland Clinic, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987, USA
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19
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Kathe NC, Novakovic M, Allain FHT. Buffer choice and pH strongly influence phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid with RNA. Mol Biol Cell 2024; 35:ar73. [PMID: 38568799 PMCID: PMC11151101 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e23-12-0500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein is crucial for virus replication and genome packaging. N protein forms biomolecular condensates both in vitro and in vivo in a process known as liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), but the exact factors regulating LLPS of N protein are not fully understood. Here, we show that pH and buffer choice have a profound impact on LLPS of N protein. The degree of phase separation is highly dependent on the pH of the solution, which is correlated with histidine protonation in N protein. Specifically, we demonstrate that protonation of H356 is essential for LLPS in phosphate buffer. Moreover, electrostatic interactions of buffer molecules with specific amino acid residues are able to alter the net charge of N protein, thus influencing its ability to undergo phase separation in the presence of RNA. Overall, these findings reveal that even subtle changes in amino acid protonation or surface charge caused by the pH and buffer system can strongly influence the LLPS behavior, and point to electrostatic interactions as the main driving forces of N protein phase separation. Further, our findings emphasize the importance of these experimental parameters when studying phase separation of biomolecules, especially in the context of viral infections where the intracellular milieu undergoes drastic changes and intracellular pH normally decreases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina C. Kathe
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mihajlo Novakovic
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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20
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Bai Y, Ning K. How does severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) achieve immune evasion?: A narrative review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37780. [PMID: 38640329 PMCID: PMC11030025 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, (SARS-CoV-2) is a highly contagious disease known for its significant lung damage. Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our daily lives has been limited, the virus has not vanished entirely and continues to undergo mutations. This calls for a concentrated focus on the matter of SARS-CoV-2 immune evasion. Drawing on observations of immune escape mechanisms in other viruses, some scholars have proposed that liquid-liquid phase separation might play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's ability to evade the immune system. Within the structure of SARS-CoV-2, the nucleocapsid protein plays a pivotal role in RNA replication and transcription. Concurrently, this protein can engage in phase separation with RNA. A thorough examination of the phase separation related to the nucleocapsid protein may unveil the mechanism by which SARS-CoV-2 accomplishes immune evasion. Moreover, this analysis may provide valuable insights for future development of innovative antiviral drugs or vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahu Bai
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Kang Ning
- Department of Respiratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shandong Institute of Anesthesia and Respiratory Critical Medicine, Jinan, China
- Department of Respiratory, Occupational Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Province Hospital of Occupational Diseases, Jinan, China
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21
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Yin Q, Liu W, Jiang Y, Feng Q, Wang X, Dou H, Liu Z, He F, Fan Y, Jiao B, Jiao B. Comprehensive genomic analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant BA.2.76 in Jining City, China, 2022. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:378. [PMID: 38632523 PMCID: PMC11022347 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10246-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze the molecular characteristics of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant BA.2.76 in Jining City, China. METHODS Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 87 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Evolutionary trees were constructed using bioinformatics software to analyze sequence homology, variant sites, N-glycosylation sites, and phosphorylation sites. RESULTS All 87 SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequences were classified under the evolutionary branch of the Omicron variant BA.2.76. Their similarity to the reference strain Wuhan-Hu-1 ranged from 99.72 to 99.74%. In comparison to the reference strain Wuhan-Hu-1, the 87 sequences exhibited 77-84 nucleotide differences and 27 nucleotide deletions. A total of 69 amino acid variant sites, 9 amino acid deletions, and 1 stop codon mutation were identified across 18 proteins. Among them, the spike (S) protein exhibited the highest number of variant sites, and the ORF8 protein showed a Q27 stop mutation. Multiple proteins displayed variations in glycosylation and phosphorylation sites. CONCLUSION SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, giving rise to new strains with enhanced transmission, stronger immune evasion capabilities, and reduced pathogenicity. The application of high-throughput sequencing technologies in the epidemic prevention and control of COVID-19 provides crucial insights into the evolutionary and variant characteristics of the virus at the genomic level, thereby holding significant implications for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yin
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Yajuan Jiang
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Qiang Feng
- Department of Laboratory, Rencheng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Huixin Dou
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Zanzan Liu
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China
| | - Feifei He
- Computer Information Technology, Northern Arizona University, Arizona, USA
| | - Yingying Fan
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China.
| | - Baihai Jiao
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
| | - Boyan Jiao
- Department of Laboratory, Jining Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jining, China.
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22
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Laughlin PM, Young K, Gonzalez-Gutierrez G, Wang JC, Zlotnick A. A narrow ratio of nucleic acid to SARS-CoV-2 N-protein enables phase separation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588883. [PMID: 38645044 PMCID: PMC11030382 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid protein (N) is a viral structural protein that packages the 30kb genomic RNA inside virions and forms condensates within infected cells through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). N, in both soluble and condensed forms, has accessory roles in the viral life cycle including genome replication and immunosuppression. The ability to perform these tasks depends on phase separation and its reversibility. The conditions that stabilize and destabilize N condensates and the role of N-N interactions are poorly understood. We have investigated LLPS formation and dissolution in a minimalist system comprised of N protein and an ssDNA oligomer just long enough to support assembly. The short oligo allows us to focus on the role of N-N interaction. We have developed a sensitive FRET assay to interrogate LLPS assembly reactions from the perspective of the oligonucleotide. We find that N alone can form oligomers but that oligonucleotide enables their assembly into a three-dimensional phase. At a ~1:1 ratio of N to oligonucleotide LLPS formation is maximal. We find that a modest excess of N or of nucleic acid causes the LLPS to break down catastrophically. Under the conditions examined here assembly has a critical concentration of about 1 μM. The responsiveness of N condensates to their environment may have biological consequences. A better understanding of how nucleic acid modulates N-N association will shed light on condensate activity and could inform antiviral strategies targeting LLPS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kimberly Young
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University
| | | | - Joseph C.Y. Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
| | - Adam Zlotnick
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University
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23
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Huang Y, Huang C, Chen J, Chen S, Li B, Li J, Jin Z, Zhang Q, Pan P, Du W, Liu L, Liu Z. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 replication by a ssDNA aptamer targeting the nucleocapsid protein. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0341023. [PMID: 38376366 PMCID: PMC10986557 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03410-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 plays significant roles in viral assembly, immune evasion, and viral stability. Due to its immunogenicity, high expression levels during COVID-19, and conservation across viral strains, it represents an attractive target for antiviral treatment. In this study, we identified and characterized a single-stranded DNA aptamer, N-Apt17, which effectively disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) mediated by the N protein. To enhance the aptamer's stability, a circular bivalent form, cb-N-Apt17, was designed and evaluated. Our findings demonstrated that cb-N-Apt17 exhibited improved stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior inhibition of N protein LLPS; thus, it has the potential inhibition ability on viral replication. These results provide valuable evidence supporting the potential of cb-N-Apt17 as a promising candidate for the development of antiviral therapies against COVID-19.IMPORTANCEVariants of SARS-CoV-2 pose a significant challenge to currently available COVID-19 vaccines and therapies due to the rapid epitope changes observed in the viral spike protein. However, the nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly conserved structural protein, offers promising potential as a target for inhibiting viral replication. The N protein forms complexes with genomic RNA, interacts with other viral structural proteins during virion assembly, and plays a critical role in evading host innate immunity by impairing interferon production during viral infection. In this investigation, we discovered a single-stranded DNA aptamer, designated as N-Apt17, exhibiting remarkable affinity and specificity for the N protein. Notably, N-Apt17 disrupts the liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of the N protein. To enhance the stability and molecular recognition capabilities of N-Apt17, we designed a circular bivalent DNA aptamer termed cb-N-Apt17. In both in vivo and in vitro experiments, cb-N-Apt17 exhibited increased stability, enhanced binding affinity, and superior LLPS disrupting ability. Thus, our study provides essential proof-of-principle evidence supporting the further development of cb-N-Apt17 as a therapeutic candidate for COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanping Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Junkai Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
| | - Bei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixiong Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Qiwei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Medical Microbiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pan Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weixing Du
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Long Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Zhixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Renmin Hospital, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
- Institute of Virology, Virology Key Laboratory of Shiyan City, Shiyan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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24
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Steiner S, Kratzel A, Barut GT, Lang RM, Aguiar Moreira E, Thomann L, Kelly JN, Thiel V. SARS-CoV-2 biology and host interactions. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:206-225. [PMID: 38225365 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-01003-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The zoonotic emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have profoundly affected our society. The rapid spread and continuous evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants continue to threaten global public health. Recent scientific advances have dissected many of the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in coronavirus infections, and large-scale screens have uncovered novel host-cell factors that are vitally important for the virus life cycle. In this Review, we provide an updated summary of the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle, gene function and virus-host interactions, including recent landmark findings on general aspects of coronavirus biology and newly discovered host factors necessary for virus replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvio Steiner
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annika Kratzel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - G Tuba Barut
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Reto M Lang
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Graduate School for Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Etori Aguiar Moreira
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lisa Thomann
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jenna N Kelly
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany
| | - Volker Thiel
- Institute of Virology and Immunology, Bern and Mittelhäusern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathobiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Multidisciplinary Center for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- European Virus Bioinformatics Center, Jena, Germany.
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25
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Yang Z, Johnson BA, Meliopoulos VA, Ju X, Zhang P, Hughes MP, Wu J, Koreski KP, Clary JE, Chang TC, Wu G, Hixon J, Duffner J, Wong K, Lemieux R, Lokugamage KG, Alvarado RE, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Walker DH, Plante KS, Plante JA, Weaver SC, Kim HJ, Meyers R, Schultz-Cherry S, Ding Q, Menachery VD, Taylor JP. Interaction between host G3BP and viral nucleocapsid protein regulates SARS-CoV-2 replication and pathogenicity. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113965. [PMID: 38492217 PMCID: PMC11044841 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
G3BP1/2 are paralogous proteins that promote stress granule formation in response to cellular stresses, including viral infection. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) inhibits stress granule assembly and interacts with G3BP1/2 via an ITFG motif, including residue F17, in the N protein. Prior studies examining the impact of the G3PB1-N interaction on SARS-CoV-2 replication have produced inconsistent findings, and the role of this interaction in pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we use structural and biochemical analyses to define the residues required for G3BP1-N interaction and structure-guided mutagenesis to selectively disrupt this interaction. We find that N-F17A mutation causes highly specific loss of interaction with G3BP1/2. SARS-CoV-2 N-F17A fails to inhibit stress granule assembly in cells, has decreased viral replication, and causes decreased pathology in vivo. Further mechanistic studies indicate that the N-F17-mediated G3BP1-N interaction promotes infection by limiting sequestration of viral genomic RNA (gRNA) into stress granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bryan A Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Center for Tropical Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Victoria A Meliopoulos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiaohui Ju
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael P Hughes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jinjun Wu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin P Koreski
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jemma E Clary
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ti-Cheng Chang
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kumari G Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - R Elias Alvarado
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Plante
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; Institute for Human Infection and Immunity, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Joo Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Stacey Schultz-Cherry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA; World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA.
| | - J Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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26
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Nguyen A, Zhao H, Myagmarsuren D, Srinivasan S, Wu D, Chen J, Piszczek G, Schuck P. Modulation of Biophysical Properties of Nucleocapsid Protein in the Mutant Spectrum of SARS-CoV-2. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.21.568093. [PMID: 38045241 PMCID: PMC10690151 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.21.568093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Genetic diversity is a hallmark of RNA viruses and the basis for their evolutionary success. Taking advantage of the uniquely large genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, we examine the impact of mutations across the spectrum of viable amino acid sequences on the biophysical phenotypes of the highly expressed and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein. We find variation in the physicochemical parameters of its extended intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sufficient to allow local plasticity, but also exhibiting functional constraints that similarly occur in related coronaviruses. In biophysical experiments with several N-protein species carrying mutations associated with major variants, we find that point mutations in the IDRs can have nonlocal impact and modulate thermodynamic stability, secondary structure, protein oligomeric state, particle formation, and liquid-liquid phase separation. In the Omicron variant, distant mutations in different IDRs have compensatory effects in shifting a delicate balance of interactions controlling protein assembly properties, and include the creation of a new protein-protein interaction interface in the N-terminal IDR through the defining P13L mutation. A picture emerges where genetic diversity is accompanied by significant variation in biophysical characteristics of functional N-protein species, in particular in the IDRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Dulguun Myagmarsuren
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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27
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Li S, Zhang Y, Chen J. Backbone interactions and secondary structures in phase separation of disordered proteins. Biochem Soc Trans 2024; 52:319-329. [PMID: 38348795 PMCID: PMC11742187 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) are one of the major drivers behind the formation and characteristics of biomolecular condensates. Due to their inherent flexibility, the backbones of IDPs are significantly exposed, rendering them highly influential and susceptible to biomolecular phase separation. In densely packed condensates, exposed backbones have a heightened capacity to interact with neighboring protein chains, which might lead to strong coupling between the secondary structures and phase separation and further modulate the subsequent transitions of the condensates, such as aging and fibrillization. In this mini-review, we provide an overview of backbone-mediated interactions and secondary structures within biomolecular condensates to underscore the importance of protein backbones in phase separation. We further focus on recent advances in experimental techniques and molecular dynamics simulation methods for probing and exploring the roles of backbone interactions and secondary structures in biomolecular phase separation involving IDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlong Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Yumeng Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jianhan Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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28
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Martin EW, Iserman C, Olety B, Mitrea DM, Klein IA. Biomolecular Condensates as Novel Antiviral Targets. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168380. [PMID: 38061626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Viral infections pose a significant health risk worldwide. There is a pressing need for more effective antiviral drugs to combat emerging novel viruses and the reemergence of previously controlled viruses. Biomolecular condensates are crucial for viral replication and are promising targets for novel antiviral therapies. Herein, we review the role of biomolecular condensates in the viral replication cycle and discuss novel strategies to leverage condensate biology for antiviral drug discovery. Biomolecular condensates may also provide an opportunity to develop antivirals that are broad-spectrum or less prone to acquired drug resistance.
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29
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Murigneux E, Softic L, Aubé C, Grandi C, Judith D, Bruce J, Le Gall M, Guillonneau F, Schmitt A, Parissi V, Berlioz-Torrent C, Meertens L, Hansen MMK, Gallois-Montbrun S. Proteomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 particles unveils a key role of G3BP proteins in viral assembly. Nat Commun 2024; 15:640. [PMID: 38245532 PMCID: PMC10799903 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44958-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Considerable progress has been made in understanding the molecular host-virus battlefield during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nevertheless, the assembly and egress of newly formed virions are less understood. To identify host proteins involved in viral morphogenesis, we characterize the proteome of SARS-CoV-2 virions produced from A549-ACE2 and Calu-3 cells, isolated via ultracentrifugation on sucrose cushion or by ACE-2 affinity capture. Bioinformatic analysis unveils 92 SARS-CoV-2 virion-associated host factors, providing a valuable resource to better understand the molecular environment of virion production. We reveal that G3BP1 and G3BP2 (G3BP1/2), two major stress granule nucleators, are embedded within virions and unexpectedly favor virion production. Furthermore, we show that G3BP1/2 participate in the formation of cytoplasmic membrane vesicles, that are likely virion assembly sites, consistent with a proviral role of G3BP1/2 in SARS-CoV-2 dissemination. Altogether, these findings provide new insights into host factors required for SARS-CoV-2 assembly with potential implications for future therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Murigneux
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Softic
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Corentin Aubé
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Carmen Grandi
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Delphine Judith
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Johanna Bruce
- Proteom'IC facility, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Morgane Le Gall
- Proteom'IC facility, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - François Guillonneau
- Proteom'IC facility, Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest (ICO), CRCi2NA-Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, Nantes Université, Angers, France
| | - Alain Schmitt
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Cochin, F-75014, Paris, France
| | - Vincent Parissi
- Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité Laboratory (MFP), UMR 5234, « Mobility of pathogenic genomes and chromatin dynamics » team (MobilVIR), CNRS-University of Bordeaux, DyNAVIR network, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Laurent Meertens
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm U944, CNRS 7212, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Maike M K Hansen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, 6525, AJ, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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30
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Rak A, Isakova-Sivak I, Rudenko L. Overview of Nucleocapsid-Targeting Vaccines against COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1810. [PMID: 38140214 PMCID: PMC10747980 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The new SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which emerged in late 2019, is a highly variable causative agent of COVID-19, a contagious respiratory disease with potentially severe complications. Vaccination is considered the most effective measure to prevent the spread and complications of this infection. Spike (S) protein-based vaccines were very successful in preventing COVID-19 caused by the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain; however, their efficacy was significantly reduced when coronavirus variants antigenically different from the original strain emerged in circulation. This is due to the high variability of this major viral antigen caused by escape from the immunity caused by the infection or vaccination with spike-targeting vaccines. The nucleocapsid protein (N) is a much more conserved SARS-CoV-2 antigen than the spike protein and has therefore attracted the attention of scientists as a promising target for broad-spectrum vaccine development. Here, we summarized the current data on various N-based COVID-19 vaccines that have been tested in animal challenge models or clinical trials. Despite the high conservatism of the N protein, escape mutations gradually occurring in the N sequence can affect its protective properties. During the three years of the pandemic, at least 12 mutations have arisen in the N sequence, affecting more than 40 known immunogenic T-cell epitopes, so the antigenicity of the N protein of recent SARS-CoV-2 variants may be altered. This fact should be taken into account as a limitation in the development of cross-reactive vaccines based on N-protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Rak
- Department of Virology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, St. Petersburg 197022, Russia; (I.I.-S.); (L.R.)
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31
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Zhao H, Syed AM, Khalid MM, Nguyen A, Ciling A, Wu D, Yau WM, Srinivasan S, Esposito D, Doudna JA, Piszczek G, Ott M, Schuck P. Assembly reactions of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein with nucleic acid. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.22.568361. [PMID: 38045338 PMCID: PMC10690241 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.22.568361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
The viral genome of SARS-CoV-2 is packaged by the nucleocapsid (N-) protein into ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs), 38±10 of which are contained in each virion. Their architecture has remained unclear due to the pleomorphism of RNPs, the high flexibility of N-protein intrinsically disordered regions, and highly multivalent interactions between viral RNA and N-protein binding sites in both N-terminal (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD). Here we explore critical interaction motifs of RNPs by applying a combination of biophysical techniques to mutant proteins binding different nucleic acids in an in vitro assay for RNP formation, and by examining mutant proteins in a viral assembly assay. We find that nucleic acid-bound N-protein dimers oligomerize via a recently described protein-protein interface presented by a transient helix in its long disordered linker region between NTD and CTD. The resulting hexameric complexes are stabilized by multi-valent protein-nucleic acid interactions that establish crosslinks between dimeric subunits. Assemblies are stabilized by the dimeric CTD of N-protein offering more than one binding site for stem-loop RNA. Our study suggests a model for RNP assembly where N-protein scaffolding at high density on viral RNA is followed by cooperative multimerization through protein-protein interactions in the disordered linker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Abdullah M. Syed
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | | | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Alison Ciling
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Wai-Ming Yau
- Laboratory of Chemical Physics, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Sanjana Srinivasan
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Dominic Esposito
- Protein Expression Laboratory, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702
| | - Jennifer A. Doudna
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- HHMI, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
- California Institute for Quantitative Biosciences (QB3), University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - Melanie Ott
- Gladstone Institutes, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
- Center for Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
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32
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Estelle AB, Forsythe HM, Yu Z, Hughes K, Lasher B, Allen P, Reardon PN, Hendrix DA, Barbar EJ. RNA structure and multiple weak interactions balance the interplay between RNA binding and phase separation of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid. PNAS NEXUS 2023; 2:pgad333. [PMID: 37901441 PMCID: PMC10605006 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgad333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N) protein of SARS-CoV-2 binds viral RNA, condensing it inside the virion, and phase separating with RNA to form liquid-liquid condensates. There is little consensus on what differentiates sequence-independent N-RNA interactions in the virion or in liquid droplets from those with specific genomic RNA (gRNA) motifs necessary for viral function inside infected cells. To identify the RNA structures and the N domains responsible for specific interactions and phase separation, we use the first 1,000 nt of viral RNA and short RNA segments designed as models for single-stranded and paired RNA. Binding affinities estimated from fluorescence anisotropy of these RNAs to the two-folded domains of N (the NTD and CTD) and comparison to full-length N demonstrate that the NTD binds preferentially to single-stranded RNA, and while it is the primary RNA-binding site, it is not essential to phase separation. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy identifies two RNA-binding sites on the NTD: a previously characterized site and an additional although weaker RNA-binding face that becomes prominent when binding to the primary site is weak, such as with dsRNA or a binding-impaired mutant. Phase separation assays of nucleocapsid domains with double-stranded and single-stranded RNA structures support a model where multiple weak interactions, such as with the CTD or the NTD's secondary face promote phase separation, while strong, specific interactions do not. These studies indicate that both strong and multivalent weak N-RNA interactions underlie the multifunctional abilities of N.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aidan B Estelle
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Heather M Forsythe
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Kaitlyn Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Brittany Lasher
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Patrick Allen
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Patrick N Reardon
- Oregon State University NMR Facility, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - David A Hendrix
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Elisar J Barbar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Kamzeeva P, Petushkov I, Knizhnik E, Snoeck R, Khodarovich Y, Ryabukhina E, Alferova V, Eshtukov-Shcheglov A, Belyaev E, Svetlova J, Vedekhina T, Kulbachinskiy A, Varizhuk A, Andrei G, Aralov A. Phenotypic Test of Benzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidinone-Based Nucleoside and Non-Nucleoside Derivatives against DNA and RNA Viruses, Including Coronaviruses. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14540. [PMID: 37834006 PMCID: PMC10572855 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging and re-emerging viruses periodically cause outbreaks and epidemics around the world, which ultimately lead to global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the urgent need for new antiviral drugs is obvious. Over more than a century of antiviral development, nucleoside analogs have proven to be promising agents against diversified DNA and RNA viruses. Here, we present the synthesis and evaluation of the antiviral activity of nucleoside analogs and their deglycosylated derivatives based on a hydroxybenzo[4,5]imidazo[1,2-c]pyrimidin-1(2H)-one scaffold. The antiviral activity was evaluated against a panel of structurally and phylogenetically diverse RNA and DNA viruses. The leader compound showed micromolar activity against representatives of the family Coronaviridae, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as against respiratory syncytial virus in a submicromolar range without noticeable toxicity for the host cells. Surprisingly, methylation of the aromatic hydroxyl group of the leader compound resulted in micromolar activity against the varicella-zoster virus without any significant impact on cell viability. The leader compound was shown to be a weak inhibitor of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. It also inhibited biocondensate formation important for SARS-CoV-2 replication. The active compounds may be considered as a good starting point for further structure optimization and mechanistic and preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polina Kamzeeva
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ivan Petushkov
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Knizhnik
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Robert Snoeck
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Yuri Khodarovich
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Ekaterina Ryabukhina
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Vera Alferova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Artur Eshtukov-Shcheglov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
| | - Evgeny Belyaev
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, RAS, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Julia Svetlova
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Tatiana Vedekhina
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
| | - Andrey Kulbachinskiy
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Centre ‘Kurchatov Institute’, 123182 Moscow, Russia; (I.P.); (A.K.)
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anna Varizhuk
- Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, 119435 Moscow, Russia; (E.K.); (J.S.); (T.V.); (A.V.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Graciela Andrei
- Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (R.S.); (G.A.)
| | - Andrey Aralov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.K.); (E.R.); (V.A.); (A.E.-S.)
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34
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Flamier A, Bisht P, Richards A, Tomasello DL, Jaenisch R. Human iPS cell-derived sensory neurons can be infected by SARS-CoV-2. iScience 2023; 26:107690. [PMID: 37680484 PMCID: PMC10480666 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has impacted billions of people since 2019 and unfolded a major healthcare crisis. With an increasing number of deaths and the emergence of more transmissible variants, it is crucial to better understand the biology of the disease-causing virus, the SARS-CoV-2. Peripheral neuropathies appeared as a specific COVID-19 symptom occurring at later stages of the disease. In order to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the peripheral nervous system, we generated human sensory neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells that we infected with the SARS-CoV-2 strain WA1/2020 and the variants delta and omicron. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we found that human sensory neurons can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 but are unable to produce infectious viruses. Our data indicate that sensory neurons can be infected by the original WA1/2020 strain of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the delta and omicron variants, yet infectability differs between the original strain and the variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Flamier
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Punam Bisht
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Rudolf Jaenisch
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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35
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Swain J, Merida P, Rubio K, Bracquemond D, Neyret A, Aguilar-Ordoñez I, Günther S, Barreto G, Muriaux D. F-actin nanostructures rearrangements and regulation are essential for SARS-CoV-2 particle production in host pulmonary cells. iScience 2023; 26:107384. [PMID: 37564698 PMCID: PMC10410521 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study focused on deciphering the role of F-actin and related regulatory factors during SARS-CoV-2 particle production and transmission in human pulmonary cells. Quantitative high-resolution microscopies revealed that the late phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection induce a strong rearrangement of F-actin nanostructures dependent on the viral M, E, and N structural proteins. Intracellular vesicles containing viral components are labeled with Rab7 and Lamp1 and are surrounded by F-actin ring-shaped structures, suggesting their role in viral trafficking toward the cell membrane for virus release. Furthermore, filopodia-like nanostructures were loaded with viruses, potentially facilitating their egress and transmission between lung cells. Gene expression analysis revealed the involvement of alpha-actinins under the regulation of the protein kinase N (PKN). The use of a PKN inhibitor efficiently reduces virus particle production, restoring endoplasmic reticulum and F-actin cellular shape. Our results highlight an important role of F-actin rearrangements during the productive phases of SARS-CoV-2 particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitendriya Swain
- Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, UMR9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Peggy Merida
- Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, UMR9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Karla Rubio
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire IMoPA, UMR 7365, 54000 Nancy, France
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - David Bracquemond
- Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, UMR9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Aymeric Neyret
- CEMIPAI, CNRS, University of Montpellier, UAR3725 CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | | | - Stefan Günther
- ECCPS Bioinformatics and Deep Sequencing, Max-Planck-Institute for Heart and Lung Research, 61231 Bad Nauheim, Germany
| | - Guillermo Barreto
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, Laboratoire IMoPA, UMR 7365, 54000 Nancy, France
- International Laboratory EPIGEN, Consejo de Ciencia y Tecnología del Estado de Puebla (CONCYTEP), Instituto de Ciencias, Ecocampus, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla (BUAP), Puebla 72570, Mexico
| | - Delphine Muriaux
- Institute of Research in Infectiology of Montpellier (IRIM), CNRS, University of Montpellier, UMR9004 CNRS, Montpellier, France
- CEMIPAI, CNRS, University of Montpellier, UAR3725 CNRS, Montpellier, France
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36
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Min YQ, Huang M, Feng K, Jia Y, Sun X, Ning YJ. A New Cellular Interactome of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Its Biological Implications. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100579. [PMID: 37211047 PMCID: PMC10198743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
There is still much to uncover regarding the molecular details of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. As the most abundant protein, coronavirus nucleocapsid (N) protein encapsidates viral RNAs, serving as the structural component of ribonucleoprotein and virion, and participates in transcription, replication, and host regulations. Virus-host interaction might give clues to better understand how the virus affects or is affected by its host during infection and identify promising therapeutic candidates. Considering the critical roles of N, we here established a new cellular interactome of SARS-CoV-2 N by using a high-specific affinity purification (S-pulldown) assay coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry and immunoblotting validations, uncovering many N-interacting host proteins unreported previously. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that these host factors are mainly involved in translation regulations, viral transcription, RNA processes, stress responses, protein folding and modification, and inflammatory/immune signaling pathways, in line with the supposed actions of N in viral infection. Existing pharmacological cellular targets and the directing drugs were then mined, generating a drug-host protein network. Accordingly, we experimentally identified several small-molecule compounds as novel inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 replication. Furthermore, a newly identified host factor, DDX1, was verified to interact and colocalize with N mainly by binding to the N-terminal domain of the viral protein. Importantly, loss/gain/reconstitution-of-function experiments showed that DDX1 acts as a potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 host factor, inhibiting the viral replication and protein expression. The N-targeting and anti-SARS-CoV-2 abilities of DDX1 are consistently independent of its ATPase/helicase activity. Further mechanism studies revealed that DDX1 impedes multiple activities of N, including the N-N interaction, N oligomerization, and N-viral RNA binding, thus likely inhibiting viral propagation. These data provide new clues to better depiction of the N-cell interactions and SARS-CoV-2 infection and may help inform the development of new therapeutic candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Qin Min
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengzhuo Huang
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Kuan Feng
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Jia
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiulian Sun
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China.
| | - Yun-Jia Ning
- Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China; Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China.
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37
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Yang Z, Johnson BA, Meliopoulos VA, Ju X, Zhang P, Hughes MP, Wu J, Koreski KP, Chang TC, Wu G, Hixon J, Duffner J, Wong K, Lemieux R, Lokugamage KG, Alvardo RE, Crocquet-Valdes PA, Walker DH, Plante KS, Plante JA, Weaver SC, Kim HJ, Meyers R, Schultz-Cherry S, Ding Q, Menachery VD, Taylor JP. Interaction between host G3BP and viral nucleocapsid protein regulates SARS-CoV-2 replication. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.29.546885. [PMID: 37425880 PMCID: PMC10327126 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.29.546885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
G3BP1/2 are paralogous proteins that promote stress granule formation in response to cellular stresses, including viral infection. G3BP1/2 are prominent interactors of the nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, the functional consequences of the G3BP1-N interaction in the context of viral infection remain unclear. Here we used structural and biochemical analyses to define the residues required for G3BP1-N interaction, followed by structure-guided mutagenesis of G3BP1 and N to selectively and reciprocally disrupt their interaction. We found that mutation of F17 within the N protein led to selective loss of interaction with G3BP1 and consequent failure of the N protein to disrupt stress granule assembly. Introduction of SARS-CoV-2 bearing an F17A mutation resulted in a significant decrease in viral replication and pathogenesis in vivo, indicating that the G3BP1-N interaction promotes infection by suppressing the ability of G3BP1 to form stress granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Yang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bryan A Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Victoria A Meliopoulos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Xiaohui Ju
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Peipei Zhang
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael P Hughes
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jinjun Wu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kaitlin P Koreski
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ti-Cheng Chang
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gang Wu
- Center for Applied Bioinformatics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Kumari G Lokugamage
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Rojelio E Alvardo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - David H Walker
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Kenneth S Plante
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jessica A Plante
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Scott C Weaver
- World Reference Center for Emerging Viruses and Arboviruses, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Hong Joo Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | | | - Stacey Schultz-Cherry
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Vineet D Menachery
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - J Paul Taylor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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38
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Božič A, Podgornik R. Evolutionary changes in the number of dissociable amino acids on spike proteins and nucleoproteins of SARS-CoV-2 variants. Virus Evol 2023; 9:vead040. [PMID: 37583936 PMCID: PMC10424713 DOI: 10.1093/ve/vead040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for target recognition, cellular entry, and endosomal escape of the virus. At the same time, it is the part of the virus that exhibits the greatest sequence variation across the many variants which have emerged during its evolution. Recent studies have indicated that with progressive lineage emergence, the positive charge on the spike protein has been increasing, with certain positively charged amino acids (AAs) improving the binding of the spike protein to cell receptors. We have performed a detailed analysis of dissociable AAs of more than 1400 different SARS-CoV-2 lineages, which confirms these observations while suggesting that this progression has reached a plateau with Omicron and its subvariants and that the positive charge is not increasing further. Analysis of the nucleocapsid protein shows no similar increase in positive charge with novel variants, which further indicates that positive charge of the spike protein is being evolutionarily selected for. Furthermore, comparison with the spike proteins of known coronaviruses shows that already the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 spike protein carries an unusually large amount of positively charged AAs when compared to most other betacoronaviruses. Our study sheds light on the evolutionary changes in the number of dissociable AAs on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, complementing existing studies and providing a stepping stone towards a better understanding of the relationship between the spike protein charge and viral infectivity and transmissibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anže Božič
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
| | - Rudolf Podgornik
- School of Physical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 19A Yuquan Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing 100049, China
- Kavli Institute for Theoretical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 3 Nanyitiao, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100049, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 8 3rd South Street, Zhongguancun, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China
- Wenzhou Institute of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Jinlian Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325001, China
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, University of Ljubljana, Jadranska 19, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
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39
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LeBlanc K, Lynch J, Layne C, Vendramelli R, Sloan A, Tailor N, Deschambault Y, Zhang F, Kobasa D, Safronetz D, Xiang Y, Cao J. The Nucleocapsid Proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and Its Close Relative Bat Coronavirus RaTG13 Are Capable of Inhibiting PKR- and RNase L-Mediated Antiviral Pathways. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0099423. [PMID: 37154717 PMCID: PMC10269842 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00994-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), including severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV), and SARS-CoV-2, produce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) that activates antiviral pathways such as PKR and OAS/RNase L. To successfully replicate in hosts, viruses must evade such antiviral pathways. Currently, the mechanism of how SARS-CoV-2 antagonizes dsRNA-activated antiviral pathways is unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein, the most abundant viral structural protein, is capable of binding to dsRNA and phosphorylated PKR, inhibiting both the PKR and OAS/RNase L pathways. The N protein of the bat coronavirus (bat-CoV) RaTG13, the closest relative of SARS-CoV-2, has a similar ability to inhibit the human PKR and RNase L antiviral pathways. Via mutagenic analysis, we found that the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the N protein is sufficient for binding dsRNA and inhibiting RNase L activity. Interestingly, while the CTD is also sufficient for binding phosphorylated PKR, the inhibition of PKR antiviral activity requires not only the CTD but also the central linker region (LKR). Thus, our findings demonstrate that the SARS-CoV-2 N protein is capable of antagonizing the two critical antiviral pathways activated by viral dsRNA and that its inhibition of PKR activities requires more than dsRNA binding mediated by the CTD. IMPORTANCE The high transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 is an important viral factor defining the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To transmit efficiently, SARS-CoV-2 must be capable of disarming the innate immune response of its host efficiently. Here, we describe that the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 is capable of inhibiting two critical innate antiviral pathways, PKR and OAS/RNase L. Moreover, the counterpart of the closest animal coronavirus relative of SARS-CoV-2, bat-CoV RaTG13, can also inhibit human PKR and OAS/RNase L antiviral activities. Thus, the importance of our discovery for understanding the COVID-19 pandemic is 2-fold. First, the ability of SARS-CoV-2 N to inhibit innate antiviral activity is likely a factor contributing to the transmissibility and pathogenicity of the virus. Second, the bat relative of SARS-CoV-2 has the capacity to inhibit human innate immunity, which thus likely contributed to the establishment of infection in humans. The findings described in this study are valuable for developing novel antivirals and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle LeBlanc
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jessie Lynch
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Christine Layne
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Robert Vendramelli
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Angela Sloan
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nikesh Tailor
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yvon Deschambault
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Fushun Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Darwyn Kobasa
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - David Safronetz
- Special Pathogens, Division of Health Security and Response, Directorate of Scientific Operations and Response, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Yan Xiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Jingxin Cao
- Poxviruses and Vaccine Design, Division of Viral Diseases, Directorate of Science Reference and Surveillance, National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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40
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Lafon-Hughes L. Towards Understanding Long COVID: SARS-CoV-2 Strikes the Host Cell Nucleus. Pathogens 2023; 12:806. [PMID: 37375496 PMCID: PMC10301789 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12060806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite what its name suggests, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic causative agent "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2" (SARS-CoV-2) were not always confined, neither temporarily (being long-term rather than acute, referred to as Long COVID) nor spatially (affecting several body systems). Moreover, the in-depth study of this ss(+) RNA virus is defying the established scheme according to which it just had a lytic cycle taking place confined to cell membranes and the cytoplasm, leaving the nucleus basically "untouched". Cumulative evidence shows that SARS-CoV-2 components disturb the transport of certain proteins through the nuclear pores. Some SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins such as Spike (S) and Nucleocapsid (N), most non-structural proteins (remarkably, Nsp1 and Nsp3), as well as some accessory proteins (ORF3d, ORF6, ORF9a) can reach the nucleoplasm either due to their nuclear localization signals (NLS) or taking a shuttle with other proteins. A percentage of SARS-CoV-2 RNA can also reach the nucleoplasm. Remarkably, controversy has recently been raised by proving that-at least under certain conditions-, SARS-CoV-2 sequences can be retrotranscribed and inserted as DNA in the host genome, giving rise to chimeric genes. In turn, the expression of viral-host chimeric proteins could potentially create neo-antigens, activate autoimmunity and promote a chronic pro-inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lafon-Hughes
- Departamento de Genética, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Ministerio de Educación y Cultura, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay; ; Tel.: +598-2-93779096
- Grupo de Biofisicoquímica, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Centro Universitario Regional Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República (CENUR-UdelaR), Salto 50000, Uruguay
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41
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Wang Y, Ling X, Zhang C, Zou J, Luo B, Luo Y, Jia X, Jia G, Zhang M, Hu J, Liu T, Wang Y, Lu K, Li D, Ma J, Liu C, Su Z. Modular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein domain functions in nucleocapsid-like assembly. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2023; 4:16. [PMID: 37211575 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-023-00129-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and its variants, with the Omicron subvariant XBB currently prevailing the global infections, continue to pose threats on public health worldwide. This non-segmented positive-stranded RNA virus encodes the multi-functional nucleocapsid protein (N) that plays key roles in viral infection, replication, genome packaging and budding. N protein consists of two structural domains, NTD and CTD, and three intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) including the NIDR, the serine/arginine rich motif (SRIDR), and the CIDR. Previous studies revealed functions of N protein in RNA binding, oligomerization, and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), however, characterizations of individual domains and their dissected contributions to N protein functions remain incomplete. In particular, little is known about N protein assembly that may play essential roles in viral replication and genome packing. Here, we present a modular approach to dissect functional roles of individual domains in SARS-CoV-2 N protein that reveals inhibitory or augmented modulations of protein assembly and LLPS in the presence of viral RNAs. Intriguingly, full-length N protein (NFL) assembles into ring-like architecture whereas the truncated SRIDR-CTD-CIDR (N182-419) promotes filamentous assembly. Moreover, LLPS droplets of NFL and N182-419 are significantly enlarged in the presence of viral RNAs, and we observed filamentous structures in the N182-419 droplets using correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), suggesting that the formation of LLPS droplets may promote higher-order assembly of N protein for transcription, replication and packaging. Together this study expands our understanding of the multiple functions of N protein in SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobin Ling
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Jian Zou
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Bingnan Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongbo Luo
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Xinyu Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Guowen Jia
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Minghua Zhang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, Sichuan, China
| | - Junchao Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanfeiyi Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Kefeng Lu
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China
| | - Dan Li
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Jinbiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Genetics and Development, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Cong Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center On Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhaoming Su
- The State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Frontiers Medical Center of Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics and Department of Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610044, Sichuan, China.
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42
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Padroni G, Bikaki M, Novakovic M, Wolter AC, Rüdisser S, Gossert AD, Leitner A, Allain FHT. A hybrid structure determination approach to investigate the druggability of the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:4555-4571. [PMID: 36928389 PMCID: PMC10201421 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has called for concerted efforts to generate new insights into the biology of betacoronaviruses to inform drug screening and development. Here, we establish a workflow to determine the RNA recognition and druggability of the nucleocapsid N-protein of SARS-CoV-2, a highly abundant protein crucial for the viral life cycle. We use a synergistic method that combines NMR spectroscopy and protein-RNA cross-linking coupled to mass spectrometry to quickly determine the RNA binding of two RNA recognition domains of the N-protein. Finally, we explore the druggability of these domains by performing an NMR fragment screening. This workflow identified small molecule chemotypes that bind to RNA binding interfaces and that have promising properties for further fragment expansion and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Padroni
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Maria Bikaki
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mihajlo Novakovic
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Antje C Wolter
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon H Rüdisser
- Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy Platform, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alvar D Gossert
- Biomolecular NMR Spectroscopy Platform, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Leitner
- Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Frederic H-T Allain
- Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, ETH Zurich, Hönggerbergring 64, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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43
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Cai S, Zhang C, Zhuang Z, Zhang S, Ma L, Yang S, Zhou T, Wang Z, Xie W, Jin S, Zhao J, Guan X, Wu J, Cui J, Wu Y. Phase-separated nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 suppresses cGAS-DNA recognition by disrupting cGAS-G3BP1 complex. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:170. [PMID: 37100798 PMCID: PMC10131525 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01420-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, the incidence and fatality rate of SARS-CoV-2 remain continually high worldwide. COVID-19 patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibited decreased type I interferon (IFN-I) signal, along with limited activation of antiviral immune responses as well as enhanced viral infectivity. Dramatic progresses have been made in revealing the multiple strategies employed by SARS-CoV-2 in impairing canonical RNA sensing pathways. However, it remains to be determined about the SARS-CoV-2 antagonism of cGAS-mediated activation of IFN responses during infection. In the current study, we figure out that SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to the accumulation of released mitochondria DNA (mtDNA), which in turn triggers cGAS to activate IFN-I signaling. As countermeasures, SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein restricts the DNA recognition capacity of cGAS to impair cGAS-induced IFN-I signaling. Mechanically, N protein disrupts the assembly of cGAS with its co-factor G3BP1 by undergoing DNA-induced liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), subsequently impairs the double-strand DNA (dsDNA) detection ability of cGAS. Taken together, our findings unravel a novel antagonistic strategy by which SARS-CoV-2 reduces DNA-triggered IFN-I pathway through interfering with cGAS-DNA phase separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihui Cai
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chenqiu Zhang
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ling Ma
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zheyu Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Weihong Xie
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shouheng Jin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jincun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiangdong Guan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jun Cui
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yaoxing Wu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Functional Genes, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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44
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Matsuura U, Tahara S, Kajimoto S, Nakabayashi T. Label-free autofluorescence lifetime reveals the structural dynamics of ataxin-3 inside droplets formed via liquid-liquid phase separation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6389. [PMID: 37076520 PMCID: PMC10113985 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33268-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid-liquid phase separation is a phenomenon that features the formation of liquid droplets containing concentrated solutes. The droplets of neurodegeneration-associated proteins are prone to generate aggregates and cause diseases. To uncover the aggregation process from the droplets, it is necessary to analyze the protein structure with keeping the droplet state in a label-free manner, but there was no suitable method. In this study, we observed the structural changes of ataxin-3, a protein associated with Machado-Joseph disease, inside the droplets, using autofluorescence lifetime microscopy. Each droplet showed autofluorescence due to tryptophan (Trp) residues, and its lifetime increased with time, reflecting structural changes toward aggregation. We used Trp mutants to reveal the structural changes around each Trp and showed that the structural change consists of several steps on different timescales. We demonstrated that the present method visualizes the protein dynamics inside a droplet in a label-free manner. Further investigations revealed that the aggregate structure formed in the droplets differs from that formed in dispersed solutions and that a polyglutamine repeat extension in ataxin-3 hardly modulates the aggregation dynamics in the droplets. These findings highlight that the droplet environment facilitates unique protein dynamics different from those in solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uchu Matsuura
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Shinya Tahara
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
| | - Shinji Kajimoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan
- JST PRESTO, Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takakazu Nakabayashi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, 980-8578, Japan.
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45
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Kanibolotskiy AA, Zayratyants OV. Morphological features of brain damage in severe COVID-19. КЛИНИЧЕСКАЯ ПРАКТИКА 2023; 14:21-30. [DOI: 10.17816/clinpract176827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: The damage to the nervous system in COVID-19 reflects the systemic nature of the infection. The question of the neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV-2 remains open, the role of "pseudovirions" in the development of the endothelial dysfunction, as well as of the S1 subunit in the TLR activation, and the importance of the blood-brain barrier are discussed. The immunological, non-immunological, and cytopathic mechanisms of the virus's action are described; there is no clear understanding of the genesis of neuropathological changes caused by SARS-CoV-2. In this tragic pandemic, the lessons of the dead should help save lives and health. Aim: to study and explain the features of brain damage in COVID-19. Methods: Brain fragments from 20 patients who died due to severe COVID-19 were studied, the sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, according to van Gieson and Nissl, IHC reactions were performed with antibodies to the S-protein, CD68 and CD8, the changes were compared with those related to the lethal outcomes of pancreatic necrosis and ruptured aortic aneurysm. Results: The following changes in the olfactory analyzer were revealed: sharp edema, dystrophic changes in neurons, gliosis, accumulations of starchy bodies, which explains the neuronal pathway of SARS-CoV-2 invasion; vascular plethora, erythrostasis and thrombosis, perivenular hemorrhages, diffuse edema, macroglia proliferation, perivascular astrocytosis and satellite. A positive reaction with the antibodies to the S1 and S2 subunits of the spike protein was detected, while the result of the reaction with antibodies to the N-protein of the virus, confirming the active replication of the virus, was doubtful. The S-protein expression in individual endotheliocytes makes the transendothelial route of the virus entry unlikely, in contrast to the hematogenous and neuronal pathways. The viral DNA was not detected by PCR. A weak inflammatory reaction was revealed in the form of perivascular accumulations of lymphocytes, scattered T-lymphocytes. Conclusions: 2 groups of changes were identified, the first group included circulatory disorders with a tendency to thrombosis, edema, dystrophic-necrotic changes in neurons, glial proliferation, the second group included inflammatory-degenerative changes, a weak inflammatory reaction and amyloid-like bodies. Further morphometric and statistical studies are needed to obtain the reliable conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander A. Kanibolotskiy
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine
- Research Institute for Healthcare Organization and Medical Management
| | - Oleg V. Zayratyants
- Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry named after A.I. Evdokimov
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46
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Zhao H, Wu D, Hassan SA, Nguyen A, Chen J, Piszczek G, Schuck P. A conserved oligomerization domain in the disordered linker of coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg6473. [PMID: 37018390 PMCID: PMC10075959 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The nucleocapsid (N-)protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a key role in viral assembly and scaffolding of the viral RNA. It promotes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), forming dense droplets that support the assembly of ribonucleoprotein particles with as-of-yet unknown macromolecular architecture. Combining biophysical experiments, molecular dynamics simulations, and analysis of the mutational landscape, we describe a heretofore unknown oligomerization site that contributes to LLPS, is required for the assembly of higher-order protein-nucleic acid complexes, and is coupled to large-scale conformational changes of N-protein upon nucleic acid binding. The self-association interface is located in a leucine-rich sequence of the intrinsically disordered linker between N-protein folded domains and formed by transient helices assembling into trimeric coiled-coils. Critical residues stabilizing hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between adjacent helices are highly protected against mutations in viable SARS-CoV-2 genomes, and the oligomerization motif is conserved across related coronaviruses, thus presenting a target for antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Di Wu
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sergio A. Hassan
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biosciences Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ai Nguyen
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jiji Chen
- Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Resource, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biophysics Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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47
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Lodola C, Secchi M, Sinigiani V, De Palma A, Rossi R, Perico D, Mauri PL, Maga G. Interaction of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein and Human RNA Helicases DDX1 and DDX3X Modulates Their Activities on Double-Stranded RNA. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065784. [PMID: 36982856 PMCID: PMC10058294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The nucleocapsid protein Np of SARS-CoV-2 is involved in the replication, transcription, and packaging of the viral genome, but it also plays a role in the modulation of the host cell innate immunity and inflammation response. Ectopic expression of Np alone was able to induce significant changes in the proteome of human cells. The cellular RNA helicase DDX1 was among the proteins whose levels were increased by Np expression. DDX1 and its related helicase DDX3X were found to physically interact with Np and to increase 2- to 4-fold its affinity for double-stranded RNA in a helicase-independent manner. Conversely, Np inhibited the RNA helicase activity of both proteins. These functional interactions among Np and DDX1 and DDX3X highlight novel possible roles played by these host RNA helicases in the viral life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Lodola
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Secchi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Virginia Sinigiani
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
| | - Antonella De Palma
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies ITB-CNR, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Rossana Rossi
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies ITB-CNR, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Davide Perico
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies ITB-CNR, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Pier Luigi Mauri
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies ITB-CNR, Via Fratelli Cervi 93, 20054 Segrate, MI, Italy
| | - Giovanni Maga
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Via Abbiategrasso 207, 27100 Pavia, PV, Italy
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48
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Zheng Y, Gao C. Phase Separation: The Robust Modulator of Innate Antiviral Signaling and SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020243. [PMID: 36839515 PMCID: PMC9962166 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 has been a pandemic threat to human health and the worldwide economy, but efficient treatments are still lacking. Type I and III interferons are essential for controlling viral infection, indicating that antiviral innate immune signaling is critical for defense against viral infection. Phase separation, one of the basic molecular processes, governs multiple cellular activities, such as cancer progression, microbial infection, and signaling transduction. Notably, recent studies suggest that phase separation regulates antiviral signaling such as the RLR and cGAS-STING pathways. Moreover, proper phase separation of viral proteins is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis. These observations indicate that phase separation is a critical checkpoint for virus and host interaction. In this study, we summarize the recent advances concerning the regulation of antiviral innate immune signaling and SARS-CoV-2 infection by phase separation. Our review highlights the emerging notion that phase separation is the robust modulator of innate antiviral signaling and viral infection.
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49
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Chau BA, Chen V, Cochrane AW, Parent LJ, Mouland AJ. Liquid-liquid phase separation of nucleocapsid proteins during SARS-CoV-2 and HIV-1 replication. Cell Rep 2023; 42:111968. [PMID: 36640305 PMCID: PMC9790868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The leap of retroviruses and coronaviruses from animal hosts to humans has led to two ongoing pandemics and tens of millions of deaths worldwide. Retrovirus and coronavirus nucleocapsid proteins have been studied extensively as potential drug targets due to their central roles in virus replication, among which is their capacity to bind their respective genomic RNAs for packaging into nascent virions. This review focuses on fundamental studies of these nucleocapsid proteins and how their intrinsic abilities to condense through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) contribute to viral replication. Therapeutic targeting of these condensates and methodological advances are also described to address future questions on how phase separation contributes to viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-An Chau
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Venessa Chen
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
| | - Alan W Cochrane
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Leslie J Parent
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Departments of Medicine and Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Andrew J Mouland
- HIV-1 RNA Trafficking Lab, Lady Davis Institute at the Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.
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Flamier A, Bisht P, Richards A, Tomasello D, Jaenisch R. Human iPS cell-derived sensory neurons can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 strain WA1/2020 as well as variants delta and omicron. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.10.523422. [PMID: 36711852 PMCID: PMC9882040 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.10.523422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 has impacted billions of people in the world since 2019 and unfolded a major healthcare crisis. With an increasing number of deaths and the emergence of more transmissible variants, it is crucial to better understand the biology of the disease-causing virus, the SARS-CoV-2. Peripheral neuropathies appeared as a specific COVID-19 symptom occurring at later stages of the disease. In order to understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the peripheral nervous system, we generated human sensory neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells that we infected with the SARS-CoV-2 strain WA1/2020 and the variants delta and omicron. Using single cell RNA sequencing, we found that human sensory neurons can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 but are unable to produce new viruses. Our data suggests that sensory neurons can be infected by the original WA1/2020 strain of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the delta and omicron variants.
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