The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein interferes with the full enzymatic activation of UPF1 and its interaction with UPF2.

ABSTRACT: The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway triggers the degradation of defective mRNAs and governs the expression of mRNAs with specific characteristics. Current understanding indicates that NMD is often significantly suppressed during viral infections to protect the viral genome. In numerous viruses, this inhibition is achieved through direct or indirect interference with the RNA helicase UPF1, thereby promoting viral replication and enhancing pathogenesis. In this study, we employed biochemical, biophysical assays and cellular investigations to explore the interplay between UPF1 and the nucleocapsid (Np) protein of SARS-CoV-2. We evaluated their direct interaction and its impact on inhibiting cellular NMD. Furthermore, we characterized how this interaction affects UPF1's enzymatic fu

SUBMITTER: Nuccetelli V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11744187 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature