Endogenous G-quadruplex-forming RNAs inhibit the activity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase

Chem Commun (Camb). 2023 Jan 19;59(7):872-875. doi: 10.1039/d2cc05858h.

Abstract

Replication of RNA viruses is catalysed by virus-specific polymerases, which can be targets of therapeutic strategies. In this study, we used a selection strategy to identify endogenous RNAs from a transcriptome library derived from lung cells that interact with the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) of SARS-CoV-2. Some of the selected RNAs weakened the activity of RdRp by forming G-quadruplexes. These results suggest that certain endogenous RNAs, which potentially form G-quadruplexes, can reduce the replication of viral RNAs.

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology
  • COVID-19*
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / genetics
  • G-Quadruplexes*
  • Humans
  • RNA, Viral / genetics
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics

Substances

  • RNA, Viral
  • RNA-Dependent RNA Polymerase
  • DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases
  • Antiviral Agents