Structure of replicating SARS-CoV-2 polymerase

2020 | journal article; research paper

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​Structure of replicating SARS-CoV-2 polymerase​
Hillen, H. S. ; Kokic, G.; Farnung, L.; Dienemann, C.; Tegunov, D. & Cramer, P. ​ (2020) 
Nature584(7819) pp. 154-156​-156​.​ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2368-8 

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Authors
Hillen, Hauke S. ; Kokic, Goran; Farnung, Lucas; Dienemann, Christian; Tegunov, Dimitry; Cramer, Patrick 
Abstract
The new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uses an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) for the replication of its genome and the transcription of its genes1-3. Here we present a cryo-electron microscopy structure of the SARS-CoV-2 RdRp in an active form that mimics the replicating enzyme. The structure comprises the viral proteins non-structural protein 12 (nsp12), nsp8 and nsp7, and more than two turns of RNA template-product duplex. The active-site cleft of nsp12 binds to the first turn of RNA and mediates RdRp activity with conserved residues. Two copies of nsp8 bind to opposite sides of the cleft and position the second turn of RNA. Long helical extensions in nsp8 protrude along exiting RNA, forming positively charged 'sliding poles'. These sliding poles can account for the known processivity of RdRp that is required for replicating the long genome of coronaviruses3. Our results enable a detailed analysis of the inhibitory mechanisms that underlie the antiviral activity of substances such as remdesivir, a drug for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)4.
Issue Date
2020
Journal
Nature 
Project
EXC 2067: Multiscale Bioimaging 
FOR 2848: Architektur und Heterogenität der inneren mitochondrialen Membran auf der Nanoskala 
FOR 2848 | St01: Structure and distribution of ribosomes at the inner mitochondrial membrane 
Working Group
RG Hillen (Structure and Function of Molecular Machines) 
RG Cramer 
External URL
https://mbexc.uni-goettingen.de/literature/publications/44
https://for2848.gwdguser.de/literature/publications/22
ISSN
0028-0836
eISSN
1476-4687
Language
English

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