Fig. 8: Model for SARS-CoV-2 virion assembly. | Nature Communications

Fig. 8: Model for SARS-CoV-2 virion assembly.

From: The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid phosphoprotein forms mutually exclusive condensates with RNA and the membrane-associated M protein

Fig. 8

a Domain organization of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, with domains responsible for phase separation with RNA (RNA-binding ___domain and central IDR) and M protein (C-terminal domains) marked. Our data and related work suggests a role for phosphorylation of the SR-rich region in regulating the gel vs. liquid behavior of N + RNA condensates55. b Proposed assembly mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virions. Viral RNPs with ~12 copies of N and 800 nt RNA coat the genomic RNA, and RNA-driven condensation plus interactions with M drive RNA packaging into virions33. Within the virion, individual vRNPs show characteristic orientation on the viral envelope33 supporting a role for specific N + M interactions in packaging.

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