Key result
ChIRP-MS and CRISPR screens identified 309 host proteins that bind SARS-CoV-2 RNA, demonstrating a physical and functional connection between the virus and mitochondria.
Why the study?
SARS-CoV-2 causes a pandemic with growing global mortality, motivating the identification of functional RNA-host protein interactions to understand the host-virus interface and nominate therapeutic targets.
Provides a comprehensive catalog of functional SARS-CoV-2 RNA-host protein interactions, highlighting mitochondria as a key antiviral platform.
Should not yet inform COVID-19 management; leaves open translational potential of mitochondrial and host RNA-binding targets.
SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of a pandemic with growing global mortality. Using comprehensive identification of RNA-binding proteins by mass spectrometry (ChIRP-MS), we identified 309 host proteins that bind the SARS-CoV-2 RNA during active infection. Integration of this data with ChIRP-MS data from three other RNA viruses defined viral specificity of RNA-host protein interactions. Targeted CRISPR screens revealed that the majority of functional RNA-binding proteins protect the host from virus-induced cell death, and comparative CRISPR screens across seven RNA viruses revealed shared and SARS-specific antiviral factors. Finally, by combining the RNA-centric approach and functional CRISPR screens, we demonstrated a physical and functional connection between SARS-CoV-2 and mitochondria, highlighting this organelle as a general platform for antiviral activity. Altogether, these data provide a comprehensive catalog of functional SARS-CoV-2 RNA-host protein interactions, which may inform studies to understand the host-virus interface and nominate host pathways that could be targeted for therapeutic benefit.
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Belk et al. (2021) studied SARS-CoV-2 infection. ChIRP-MS and targeted CRISPR screens vs. Other RNA viruses was evaluated on Identification of SARS-CoV-2 RNA-host protein interactions and functional antiviral factors. ChIRP-MS and CRISPR screens identified 309 host proteins that bind SARS-CoV-2 RNA, demonstrating a physical and functional connection between the virus and mitochondria.