Here, the authors provide evidence that SARS-CoV-2 N protein leads to autophagic degradation of Dicer, XPO5, SRSF3, and hnRNPA3, inducing DNA damage and proteotoxic stress, eventually causing pneumonia. The small-molecule drug PJ34 or anastrozole alleviates N protein-induced pneumonia.
- Yu-Wei Luo
- Jiang-Peng Zhou
- Kai-Fu Tang