Topic：Molecular Architecture of (+) Stranded RNA Virus Replication Organelle

Speaker：Prof.Tao Ni

Host：Prof.Shujun Cai

Time：November 15th.10:00-11:30am

Venue：The Learning Studio

Abstract:

Positive-stranded RNA viruses substantially remodel intracellular membranes during RNA replication, which is a common feature observed in picornaviruses, flaviviruses, noroviruses and coronaviruses. The replication of coronaviruses, such as MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), leads to the formation of DMVs in host cells to accommodate viral RNA synthesis and modifications. SARS-CoV-2 non-structural protein (nsp) 3 and 4 are the minimal viral components required to induce DMV formation and to form a double-membrane spanning pore, essential for the transport of newly synthesized viral RNAs. The mechanism of DMV pore complex formation remains unknown. Here we present the molecular architecture of SARS-CoV-2 nsp3-4 pore complex, as resolved locally up to 3.9 Å resolution by cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging within isolated DMVs. Our work establishes a framework for understanding DMV pore formation and RNA translocation, providing a structural basis for the development of new antiviral strategies to combat coronavirus infection. In this seminar, I will present our recent work about coronavirus double membrane vesicle pore complex and discuss the application of cryo-electron tomography in the modern virology research, especially on the intramembrane membrane reorganization and RNA transport machineries.

Brief introduction of the speaker:

倪涛，香港大学李嘉诚医学院生物医学系助理教授（2022年至今），2012年本科毕业于南开大学，2016年于英国牛津大学获得结构生物学博士学位。2017年至2022年师从牛津大学及英国国家生物电镜中心主任章佩君教授进行博士后研究工作。倪涛博士以冷冻电镜及冷冻断层扫描为主要技术手段，结合生化实验，致力于病毒等病原体与宿主相互作用的研究，旨在揭示病原体与宿主互作的分子机制。