Atomic-Resolution Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein N-Terminal Domain

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jun 15;144(23):10543-10555. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c03320. Epub 2022 May 31.

Abstract

The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the four structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and plays a crucial role in viral genome organization and, hence, replication and pathogenicity. The N-terminal domain (NNTD) binds to the genomic RNA and thus comprises a potential target for inhibitor and vaccine development. We determined the atomic-resolution structure of crystalline NNTD by integrating solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and X-ray diffraction. Our combined approach provides atomic details of protein packing interfaces as well as information about flexible regions as the N- and C-termini and the functionally important RNA binding, β-hairpin loop. In addition, ultrafast (100 kHz) MAS 1H-detected experiments permitted the assignment of side-chain proton chemical shifts not available by other means. The present structure offers guidance for designing therapeutic interventions against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Genome, Viral
  • Humans
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins / chemistry
  • RNA
  • SARS-CoV-2*

Substances

  • Nucleocapsid Proteins
  • RNA