Phosphorylation Toggles the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein Between Two Membrane-Associated Condensate States.

ABSTRACT: The Nucleocapsid protein (N) of SARS-CoV-2 plays a critical role in the viral lifecycle by regulating RNA replication and packaging the viral genome. N and RNA phase separate to form condensates that may be important for these functions. Both functions occur at membrane surfaces, but how N toggles between these two membrane-associated functional states is unclear. Here, we reveal that phosphorylation switches how N condensates interact with membranes, partly by modulating condensate material properties. Phosphorylated N forms liquid condensates that wet membranes, reminiscent of N's role in RNA replication. In contrast, unmodified N forms viscoelastic condensates that can be engulfed by membranes, evoking viral genome packaging. These results suggest that phosphorylation serves as a regula

SUBMITTER: Favetta B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11507936 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature