Small molecule stabilization of non-native protein-protein interactions of SARS-CoV-2 N protein as a mechanism of action against COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: The outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, continues to affect millions of people around the world. The absence of a globally distributed effective treatment makes the exploration of new mechanisms of action a key step to address this situation. Stabilization of non-native Protein-Protein Interactions (PPIs) of the nucleocapsid protein of MERS-CoV has been reported as a valid strategy to inhibit viral replication. In this study, the applicability of this unexplored mechanism of action against SARS-CoV-2 is analyzed. During our research, we were able to find three inducible interfaces of SARS-CoV-2 N protein NTD, compare them to the previously reported MERS-CoV stabilized dimers, and identify those residues that are responsible for their formation. A drug discovery protocol

SUBMITTER: Fernandez JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7784783 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature