SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein enhances the level of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species

J Med Virol. 2023 Dec;95(12):e29270. doi: 10.1002/jmv.29270.

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis is influenced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms implicated remain poorly understood. The nucleocapsid (N) protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the main driver for this condition, is a structural protein indispensable for viral replication and assembly, and its role in ROS production has not been reported. This study shows that SARS-CoV-2 N protein expression enhances mitochondrial ROS level. Bulk RNA-sequencing suggests of aberrant redox state of the electron transport chain. Accordingly, this protein hinders ATP production but simultaneously augments the activity of complexes I and III, and most mitochondrially encoded complex I and III proteins are upregulated by it. Mechanistically, N protein of SARS-CoV-2 shows significant mitochondrial localization. It interacts with mitochondrial transcription components and stabilizes them. Moreover, it also impairs the activity of antioxidant enzymes with or without detectable interaction.

Keywords: ROS; SARS-CoV-2; interaction; mitochondria; nucleocapsid.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins / chemistry
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • SARS-CoV-2* / metabolism
  • Virus Replication

Substances

  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Nucleocapsid Proteins