Structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase from COVID-19 virus

TLDR

The COVID‑19 pandemic has spurred extensive research into the virus’s RNA‑synthesizing machinery, particularly the replication/transcription complex. Cryo‑EM at 2.9 Å resolved the SARS‑CoV‑2 RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase nsp12 bound to cofactors nsp7 and nsp8. The structure shows nsp12 as a target for nucleotide‑analog inhibitors like remdesivir and offers a framework for developing new antivirals. Gao et al., Science, p.

Abstract

The COVID-19 RNA-synthesizing machine Many in the scientific community have mobilized to understand the virus that is causing the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Gao et al. focused on a complex that plays a key role in the replication and transcription cycle of the virus. They used cryo–electron microscopy to determine a 2.9-angstrom-resolution structure of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase nsp12, which catalyzes the synthesis of viral RNA, in complex with two cofactors, nsp7 and nsp8. nsp12 is a target for nucleotide analog antiviral inhibitors such as remdesivir, and the structure may provide a basis for designing new antiviral therapeutics. Science , this issue p. 779