Structural highlights
Function
NCAP_SARS2 Packages the positive strand viral genome RNA into a helical ribonucleocapsid (RNP) and plays a fundamental role during virion assembly through its interactions with the viral genome and membrane protein M. Plays an important role in enhancing the efficiency of subgenomic viral RNA transcription as well as viral replication.
Publication Abstract from PubMed
The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N) is responsible for RNA binding. Here we report the crystal structure of the C-terminal domain (N(CTD)) in open and closed conformations and in complex with guanine triphosphate, GTP. The crystal structure and biochemical studies reveal a specific interaction between the guanine, a nucleotide enriched in the packaging signals regions of coronaviruses, and a highly conserved tryptophan residue (W330). In addition, EMSA assays with SARS-CoV-2 derived RNA hairpin loops from a putative viral packaging sequence showed the preference interaction of the N-CTD to RNA oligonucleotides containing G and the loss of the specificity in the mutant W330A. Here we propose that this interaction may facilitate the viral assembly process. In summary, we have identified a specific guanine-binding pocket in the N protein that may be used to design viral assembly inhibitors.
Identification of a guanine-specific pocket in the protein N of SARS-CoV-2.,Rafael Ciges-Tomas J, Franco ML, Vilar M Commun Biol. 2022 Jul 16;5(1):711. doi: 10.1038/s42003-022-03647-8. PMID:35842466[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
See Also
References
- ↑ Rafael Ciges-Tomas J, Franco ML, Vilar M. Identification of a guanine-specific pocket in the protein N of SARS-CoV-2. Commun Biol. 2022 Jul 16;5(1):711. doi: 10.1038/s42003-022-03647-8. PMID:35842466 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-03647-8
