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Characterization of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 Membrane Protein and Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) as a Potential Therapeutic Target

Zambalde, E. P.; Mancini, M. C. S.; Scudero, O. B.; Pavan, I. C. B.; Severi, M. B.; Morelli, A. P.; Amorim, M. R.; dos Santos, K. B.; Parise, P. L.; Gois, M. M.; Toledo-Teixeira, D. A.; Mauad, T.; Saldiva, P. H. N.; Dolhnikoff, M.; Proenca-Modena, J. L.; Marques-Souza, H.; Ventura, A. M.; Simabuco, F. M.

2021-12-08 molecular biology
10.1101/2021.12.06.471464 bioRxiv
Show abstract

SARS-CoV-2 is an emerging virus from the Coronaviridae family and is responsible for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this work, we explored the previously reported SARS-CoV-2 structural membrane protein (M) interaction with human Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA). The M protein is responsible for maintaining virion shape, and PCNA is a marker of DNA damage which is essential for DNA replication and repair. We validated the M PCNA interaction through immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence co-localization, and a PLA assay. In cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 or transfected with M protein, using immunofluorescence and cell fractioning, we documented a reallocation of PCNA from the nucleus to the cytoplasm and the increase of PCNA and {gamma}H2AX (another DNA damage marker) expression. We also observed an increase of PCNA and {gamma}H2AX expression in the lung of a COVID-19 patient by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the inhibition of PCNA translocation by PCNA I1 and Verdinexor led to a reduction of plaque formation in an in vitro assay. We, therefore, propose that the transport of PCNA to the cytoplasm and its association with M could be a virus strategy to manipulate cell functions and may be considered a target for COVID-19 therapy.

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