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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.09.19.611578

Involvement of 5' and 3' UTRs on SARS-CoV-2 Genome Packaging

Zhang, Z.·Yang, K.·Shao, F.·Shen, W.·Li, P.·Zhang, Y.·Xu, J.·Wang, C.·Xie, D.·Yu, G.·Zhang, J.·Zhao, Z.
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Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, packages its large single-stranded RNA genome through a precise yet enigmatic mechanism. A packaging signal (PS) within its genome was proposed to facilitate the assembly of new viral particles. Here in this study, we report the role of the 5 and 3 untranslated regions (UTRs) in PS-mediated genome packaging. Utilizing proximity ligation data, we demonstrate direct interactions between the UTRs and the PS9 element, a key packaging signal within the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Multiple evidence confirmed that the presence of UTRs enhance the packaging efficiency of infectious virus-like particles (iVLPs) and recruits more nucleocapsid (N) protein, suggesting a critical role in genome compaction and packaging. These insights into the regulatory mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 genome packaging provide novel targets for antiviral therapeutics and contribute to the broader understanding of coronavirus assembly.

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Zhang, Z., Yang, K., Shao, F., Shen, W., Li, P., Zhang, Y., Xu, J., Wang, C., Xie, D., Yu, G., Zhang, J., Zhao, Z.. 2024-09-20. Involvement of 5' and 3' UTRs on SARS-CoV-2 Genome Packaging. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.19.611578

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