How SARS-CoV-2 Alters the Regulation of Gene Expression in Infected Cells.
J Phys Chem Lett
; 14(13): 3199-3207, 2023 Apr 06.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2252233
ABSTRACT
Nonstructural accessory proteins in viruses play a key role in hijacking the basic cellular mechanisms, which is essential to promote the virus survival and evasion of the immune system. The immonuglobulin-like open reading frame 8 (ORF8) protein expressed by SARS-CoV-2 accumulates in the nucleus and may influence the regulation of the gene expression in infected cells. In this contribution, by using microsecond time-scale all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we unravel the structural bases behind the epigenetic action of ORF8. In particular, we highlight how the protein is able to form stable aggregates with DNA through a histone tail-like motif, and how this interaction is influenced by post-translational modifications, such as acetylation and methylation, which are known epigenetic markers in histones. Our work not only clarifies the molecular mechanisms behind the perturbation of the epigenetic regulation caused by the viral infection but also offers an unusual perspective which may foster the development of original antivirals.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Prognostic study
Limits:
Humans
Language:
English
Journal:
J Phys Chem Lett
Year:
2023
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Acs.jpclett.3c00582
Similar
MEDLINE
...
LILACS
LIS