Structural highlights
Function
R1AB_SARS2 Multifunctional protein involved in the transcription and replication of viral RNAs. Contains the proteinases responsible for the cleavages of the polyprotein.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Inhibits host translation by interacting with the 40S ribosomal subunit. The nsp1-40S ribosome complex further induces an endonucleolytic cleavage near the 5'UTR of host mRNAs, targeting them for degradation. Viral mRNAs are not susceptible to nsp1-mediated endonucleolytic RNA cleavage thanks to the presence of a 5'-end leader sequence and are therefore protected from degradation. By suppressing host gene expression, nsp1 facilitates efficient viral gene expression in infected cells and evasion from host immune response.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] May play a role in the modulation of host cell survival signaling pathway by interacting with host PHB and PHB2. Indeed, these two proteins play a role in maintaining the functional integrity of the mitochondria and protecting cells from various stresses.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Responsible for the cleavages located at the N-terminus of the replicase polyprotein. In addition, PL-PRO possesses a deubiquitinating/deISGylating activity and processes both 'Lys-48'- and 'Lys-63'-linked polyubiquitin chains from cellular substrates. Participates together with nsp4 in the assembly of virally-induced cytoplasmic double-membrane vesicles necessary for viral replication. Antagonizes innate immune induction of type I interferon by blocking the phosphorylation, dimerization and subsequent nuclear translocation of host IRF3. Prevents also host NF-kappa-B signaling.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Participates in the assembly of virally-induced cytoplasmic double-membrane vesicles necessary for viral replication.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Cleaves the C-terminus of replicase polyprotein at 11 sites. Recognizes substrates containing the core sequence [ILMVF]-Q-|-[SGACN] (PubMed:32198291). Also able to bind an ADP-ribose-1-phosphate (ADRP).[UniProtKB:P0C6X7][1] Plays a role in the initial induction of autophagosomes from host reticulum endoplasmic. Later, limits the expansion of these phagosomes that are no longer able to deliver viral components to lysosomes.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Forms a hexadecamer with nsp8 (8 subunits of each) that may participate in viral replication by acting as a primase. Alternatively, may synthesize substantially longer products than oligonucleotide primers.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Forms a hexadecamer with nsp7 (8 subunits of each) that may participate in viral replication by acting as a primase. Alternatively, may synthesize substantially longer products than oligonucleotide primers.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] May participate in viral replication by acting as a ssRNA-binding protein.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Plays a pivotal role in viral transcription by stimulating both nsp14 3'-5' exoribonuclease and nsp16 2'-O-methyltransferase activities. Therefore plays an essential role in viral mRNAs cap methylation.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Responsible for replication and transcription of the viral RNA genome.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Multi-functional protein with a zinc-binding domain in N-terminus displaying RNA and DNA duplex-unwinding activities with 5' to 3' polarity. Activity of helicase is dependent on magnesium.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Enzyme possessing two different activities: an exoribonuclease activity acting on both ssRNA and dsRNA in a 3' to 5' direction and a N7-guanine methyltransferase activity. Acts as a proofreading exoribonuclease for RNA replication, thereby lowering The sensitivity of the virus to RNA mutagens.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Mn(2+)-dependent, uridylate-specific enzyme, which leaves 2'-3'-cyclic phosphates 5' to the cleaved bond.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7] Methyltransferase that mediates mRNA cap 2'-O-ribose methylation to the 5'-cap structure of viral mRNAs. N7-methyl guanosine cap is a prerequisite for binding of nsp16. Therefore plays an essential role in viral mRNAs cap methylation which is essential to evade immune system.[UniProtKB:P0C6X7]
Publication Abstract from PubMed
As the COVID-19 pathogen, SARS-CoV-2 relies on its main protease (M(Pro)) for pathogenesis and replication. During crystallographic analyses of M(Pro) crystals that were exposed to the air, a uniquely Y-shaped, S-O-N-O-S-bridged post-translational cross-link that connects three residues C22, C44, and K61 at their side chains was frequently observed. As a novel covalent modification, this cross-link serves potentially as a redox switch to regulate the catalytic activity of M(Pro), a demonstrated drug target of COVID-19. The formation of this linkage leads to a much more open active site that can potentially be targeted for the development of novel SARS-CoV-2 antivirals. The structural rearrangement of M(Pro) by this cross-link indicates that small molecules that lock M(Pro) in the cross-linked form can potentially be used with other active-site-targeting molecules such as paxlovid for synergistic effects in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 viral replication.
A Novel Y-Shaped, S-O-N-O-S-Bridged Cross-Link between Three Residues C22, C44, and K61 Is Frequently Observed in the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease.,Yang KS, Blankenship LR, Kuo SA, Sheng YJ, Li P, Fierke CA, Russell DH, Yan X, Xu S, Liu WR ACS Chem Biol. 2023 Jan 11. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00695. PMID:36629751[2]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
References
- ↑ Zhang L, Lin D, Sun X, Curth U, Drosten C, Sauerhering L, Becker S, Rox K, Hilgenfeld R. Crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 main protease provides a basis for design of improved alpha-ketoamide inhibitors. Science. 2020 Mar 20. pii: science.abb3405. doi: 10.1126/science.abb3405. PMID:32198291 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.abb3405
- ↑ Yang KS, Blankenship LR, Kuo SA, Sheng YJ, Li P, Fierke CA, Russell DH, Yan X, Xu S, Liu WR. A Novel Y-Shaped, S-O-N-O-S-Bridged Cross-Link between Three Residues C22, C44, and K61 Is Frequently Observed in the SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease. ACS Chem Biol. 2023 Jan 11. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.2c00695. PMID:36629751 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acschembio.2c00695
