Genomic RNA Elements Drive Phase Separation of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid.

ABSTRACT: We report that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (N-protein) undergoes liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) with viral RNA. N-protein condenses with specific RNA genomic elements under physiological buffer conditions and condensation is enhanced at human body temperatures (33°C and 37°C) and reduced at room temperature (22°C). RNA sequence and structure in specific genomic regions regulate N-protein condensation while other genomic regions promote condensate dissolution, potentially preventing aggregation of the large genome. At low concentrations, N-protein preferentially crosslinks to specific regions characterized by single-stranded RNA flanked by structured elements and these features specify the location, number, and strength of N-protein binding sites (valency). Liquid-like N-prot

SUBMITTER: Iserman C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7691212 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature