RESUMO
Coronaviruses are a diverse subfamily of viruses containing pathogens of humans and animals. This subfamily of viruses replicates their RNA genomes using a core polymerase complex composed of viral non-structural proteins: nsp7, nsp8 and nsp12. Most of our understanding of coronavirus molecular biology comes from betacoronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, the latter of which is the causative agent of COVID-19. In contrast, members of the alphacoronavirus genus are relatively understudied despite their importance in human and animal health. Here we have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of the alphacoronavirus porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) core polymerase complex bound to RNA. One structure shows an unexpected nsp8 stoichiometry despite remaining bound to RNA. Biochemical analysis shows that the N-terminal extension of one nsp8 is not required for in vitro RNA synthesis for alpha- and betacoronaviruses. Our work demonstrates the importance of studying diverse coronaviruses in revealing aspects of coronavirus replication and identifying areas of conservation to be targeted by antiviral drugs.
Assuntos
RNA-Polimerase RNA-Dependente de Coronavírus , Modelos Moleculares , Vírus da Diarreia Epidêmica Suína , RNA-Polimerase RNA-Dependente de Coronavírus/química , RNA-Polimerase RNA-Dependente de Coronavírus/genética , RNA-Polimerase RNA-Dependente de Coronavírus/metabolismo , Microscopia Crioeletrônica , Vírus da Diarreia Epidêmica Suína/genética , Vírus da Diarreia Epidêmica Suína/enzimologia , Estrutura Terciária de Proteína , RNA Viral/metabolismo , RNA Viral/genética , RNA Viral/química , SARS-CoV-2/enzimologia , SARS-CoV-2/genética , Replicação Viral/genética , AnimaisRESUMO
Coronavirus relevancy for human health has surged over the past 20 years as they have a propensity for spillover into humans from animal reservoirs resulting in pandemics such as COVID-19. The diversity within the Coronavirinae subfamily and high infection frequency in animal species worldwide creates a looming threat that calls for research across all genera within the Coronavirinae subfamily. We sought to contribute to the limited structural knowledge within the Gammacoronavirus genera and determined the structure of the viral core replication-transcription complex (RTC) from Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) using single-particle cryo-EM. Comparison between our IBV structure with published RTC structures from other Coronavirinae genera reveals structural differences across genera. Using in vitro biochemical assays, we characterized these differences and revealed their differing involvement in core RTC formation across different genera. Our findings highlight the value of cross-genera Coronavirinae studies, as they show genera specific features in coronavirus genome replication. A broader knowledge of coronavirus replication will better prepare us for future coronavirus spillovers.