Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Cryo-EM structure of SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a in lipid nanodiscs.


ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2 ORF3a is a putative viral ion channel implicated in autophagy inhibition, inflammasome activation and apoptosis. 3a protein and anti-3a antibodies are found in infected patient tissues and plasma. Deletion of 3a in SARS-CoV-1 reduces viral titer and morbidity in mice, suggesting it could be an effective target for vaccines or therapeutics. Here, we present structures of SARS-CoV-2 3a determined by cryo-EM to 2.1-Å resolution. 3a adopts a new fold with a polar cavity that opens to the cytosol and membrane through separate water- and lipid-filled openings. Hydrophilic grooves along outer helices could form ion-conduction paths. Using electrophysiology and fluorescent ion imaging of 3a-reconstituted liposomes, we observe Ca2+-permeable, nonselective cation channel activity, identify mutations that alter ion permeability and discover polycationic inhibitors of 3a activity. 3a-like proteins are found across coronavirus lineages that infect bats and humans, suggesting that 3a-targeted approaches could treat COVID-19 and other coronavirus diseases.

SUBMITTER: Kern DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8772433 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC7310636 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8808176 | biostudies-literature
| EMPIAR-11067 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC7200160 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8176890 | biostudies-literature
| EMPIAR-10441 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC6093707 | biostudies-literature
| EMPIAR-10439 | biostudies-other
| S-EPMC9385719 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6768649 | biostudies-literature