Atomic-Resolution Structure of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein N-Terminal Domain.

The nucleocapsid (N) protein is one of the four structural proteins of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and plays a crucial role in viral genome organization and, hence, replication and pathogenicity. The N-terminal domain (NNTD) binds to the genomic RNA and thus comprises a potential target for inhibitor and vaccine development. We determined the atomic-resolution structure of crystalline NNTD by integrating solid-state magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR and X-ray diffraction. Our combined approach provides atomic details of protein packing interfaces as well as information about flexible regions as the N- and C-termini and the functionally important RNA binding, ß-hairpin loop. In addition, ultrafast (100 kHz) MAS 1H-detected experiments permitted the assignment of side-chain proton chemical shifts not available by other means. The present structure offers guidance for designing therapeutic interventions against the SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Of Late Alarms, Long Queues, and Online Attendances: My Experiences of COVID Time

This essay has three autoethnographic, interconnected, temporal vignettes that narrate my lived pandemic experiences of mothering a teenage daughter, performing socially isolated housework, and teaching online classes. These personal experiences are located in specific Indian contexts through thick descriptions that accommodate more massive perspectives. Adapting Sarah Sharma?s concepts of power-chronography and temporal politics, I problematize my COVID-enforced slow time, and explore more deeply how my fraught COVID time experiences intersect with the multiple COVID times of others. I use this methodological format?autoethnography, thick description, and theorization?to make sense of my pandemic experiences at both microscopic and massive levels.