Overview:

Many eukaryotic viruses have evolved 2′-O-methyltransferases (2′-O-MTase) to modify their viral mRNAs and carry a cap-1 structure (m7GpppNm) at the 5′ end. This 5’ cap structure is important for viral mRNA stability, protein translation and viral immune escape (1). SARS-CoV possess NSP16 that has 2′-O-MTase activity. NSP16 requires NSP 10 for activation which is a conserved mechanism in corona viruses (2). Therefore, inhibitors targeting the NSP10/NSP16 2′-O-MTase are potential targets for developing anti-coronavirus drugs (3).

Gene Aliases:

NSP10: Non-structural protein 10
NSP16: Non-structural protein 16

Genbank Number:

QHD43415

References:

1. Furuichi, Y. et al: Viral and cellular mRNA capping: past and prospects. Adv Virus Res. 2000, 55:135–184.

2. Decroly, E. et al. Coronavirus nonstructural protein 16 is a cap-o binding enzyme possessing (nucleoside-2'O)-methyltransferase activity. J Virol. 2008, 82(16):8071-8084.

3. Chen, Y. et al: Biochemical and structural insights into the mechanisms of SARS coronavirus RNA ribose 2’-O-methylation by nsp16/nsp10 protein complex. PLoS Pathog. 2011, 7(10): e1002294.