The m6A methylome of SARS-CoV-2 in host cells

Cell Res. 2021 Apr;31(4):404-414. doi: 10.1038/s41422-020-00465-7. Epub 2021 Jan 28.

Abstract

The newly identified Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a global health emergency because of its rapid spread and high mortality. The molecular mechanism of interaction between host and viral genomic RNA is yet unclear. We demonstrate herein that SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA, as well as the negative-sense RNA, is dynamically N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-modified in human and monkey cells. Combined RIP-seq and miCLIP analyses identified a total of 8 m6A sites at single-base resolution in the genome. Especially, epidemic strains with mutations at these identified m6A sites have emerged worldwide, and formed a unique cluster in the US as indicated by phylogenetic analysis. Further functional experiments showed that m6A methylation negatively regulates SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 infection also triggered a global increase in host m6A methylome, exhibiting altered localization and motifs of m6A methylation in mRNAs. Altogether, our results identify m6A as a dynamic epitranscriptomic mark mediating the virus-host interaction.

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Adenosine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • COVID-19 / pathology
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Cell Line
  • Chlorocebus aethiops
  • DNA Methylation
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Genome, Viral*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Mutagenesis, Site-Directed
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • SARS-CoV-2 / classification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics*
  • SARS-CoV-2 / isolation & purification
  • SARS-CoV-2 / physiology
  • Vero Cells
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • N-methyladenosine
  • Adenosine