Let's phase it: viruses are master architects of biomolecular condensates

Abstract

Viruses compartmentalize their replication and assembly machinery to both evade detection and concentrate the viral proteins and nucleic acids necessary for genome replication and virion production. Accumulating evidence suggests that diverse RNA and DNA viruses form replication organelles and nucleocapsid assembly sites using phase separation. In general, the biogenesis of these compartments is regulated by two types of viral protein, collectively known as antiterminators and nucleocapsid proteins, respectively. Herein, we discuss how RNA viruses establish replication organelles and nucleocapsid assembly sites, and the evidence that these compartments form through phase separation. While this review focuses on RNA viruses, accumulating evidence suggests that all viruses rely on phase separation and form biomolecular condensates important for completing the infectious cycle.

Keywords: Viral biomolecular condensates; antiterminator; genome packaging; nucleocapsid; phase separation; phosphoprotein; replication organelle.