CRISPR screening reveals a dependency on ribosome recycling for efficient SARS-CoV-2 programmed ribosomal frameshifting and viral replication

Frederick Rehfeld, Jennifer L. Eitson, Maikke B. Ohlson, Tsung Cheng Chang, John W. Schoggins, Joshua T. Mendell

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

During translation of the genomic RNA of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative virus in the COVID-19 pandemic, host ribosomes undergo programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) at a conserved structural element. Although PRF is essential for coronavirus replication, host factors that regulate this process have not yet been identified. Here we perform genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens to identify regulators of SARS-CoV-2 PRF. These screens reveal that loss of ribosome recycling factors markedly decreases frameshifting efficiency and impairs SARS-CoV-2 viral replication. Mutational studies support a model wherein efficient removal of ribosomal subunits at the ORF1a stop codon is required for frameshifting of trailing ribosomes. This dependency upon ribosome recycling is not observed with other non-pathogenic human betacoronaviruses and is likely due to the unique position of the ORF1a stop codon in the SARS clade of coronaviruses. These findings therefore uncover host factors that support efficient SARS-CoV-2 translation and replication.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number112076
JournalCell Reports
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 28 2023

Keywords

  • ABCE1
  • CP: Microbiology
  • CP: Molecular biology
  • DENR
  • DOHH
  • EIF5A
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • coronavirus
  • diphthamide
  • host factors
  • programmed ribosomal frameshifting
  • ribosome recycling

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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