Phosphorylation controls RNA binding and transcription by the influenza virus polymerase.

ABSTRACT: The influenza virus polymerase transcribes and replicates the viral genome. The proper timing and balance of polymerase activity is important for successful replication. Genome replication is controlled in part by phosphorylation of NP that regulates assembly of the replication machinery. However, it remains unclear whether phosphorylation directly regulated polymerase activity. Here we identified polymerase phosphosites that control its function. Mutating phosphosites in the catalytic subunit PB1 altered polymerase activity and virus replication. Biochemical analyses revealed phosphorylation events that disrupted global polymerase function by blocking the NTP entry channel or preventing RNA binding. We also identified a regulatory site that split polymerase function by specifically suppre

SUBMITTER: Dawson AR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7494117 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature