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Inside-out: Antibody-binding reveals potential folding hinge-points within the SARS-CoV-2 replication co-factor nsp9
Yue Pan1, Indu R Chandrashekaran1, Luke Tennant2
1Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
Nanobodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9 reveal its unique fold and flexibility. Binding to Trp-53 induces significant structural changes, offering insights into coronaviral replication mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nsp9 is a key component of the coronaviral replication and transcription complex.
- It plays a role in viral RNA synthesis and 5'-capping.
- Previous studies identified anti-Nsp9 nanobodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the binding site of anti-Nsp9 nanobodies on SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9.
- To characterize the structural and dynamic changes induced by nanobody binding.
- To understand the implications for coronaviral replication.
Main Methods:
- Crystallography
- Biophysical characterization
- Structural analysis
Main Results:
- Nanobody binding is centered on Trp-53 in SARS-CoV-2 Nsp9.
- Antibody interaction causes significant alterations in Nsp9's topology.
- Structural dynamism is observed, with flexible regions and potential large-scale movements identified.
Conclusions:
- Anti-Nsp9 nanobodies reveal the structural plasticity of this viral protein.
- Understanding these antibody-induced changes provides insights into Nsp9 function in coronaviral replication.
- This work may inform the development of novel antiviral strategies targeting Nsp9.
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