Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

The Influenza Virus RNA-polymerase and the Host RNA-Polymerase II: RPB4 is Targeted by a PB2 Domain that is Involved in Viral Transcription

Version 1 : Received: 10 February 2022 / Approved: 14 February 2022 / Online: 14 February 2022 (09:51:21 CET)

How to cite: Morel, J.; Sedano, L.; Lejal, N.; Da Costa, B.; Batsché, E.; Muchardt, C.; Delmas, B. The Influenza Virus RNA-polymerase and the Host RNA-Polymerase II: RPB4 is Targeted by a PB2 Domain that is Involved in Viral Transcription. Preprints 2022, 2022020170. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202202.0170.v1 Morel, J.; Sedano, L.; Lejal, N.; Da Costa, B.; Batsché, E.; Muchardt, C.; Delmas, B. The Influenza Virus RNA-polymerase and the Host RNA-Polymerase II: RPB4 is Targeted by a PB2 Domain that is Involved in Viral Transcription. Preprints 2022, 2022020170. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202202.0170.v1

Abstract

Influenza virus transcription is catalyzed by the viral RNA-polymerase (FluPol) through a cap-snatching activity. The snatching of the cap of cellular mRNA by FluPol is preceded by its binding to the flexible C-terminal domain (CTD) of the RPB1 subunit of RNA-polymerase II (Pol II). To better understand how FluPol brings the 3’-end of the genomic RNAs in close proximity to the host-derived primer, we hypothesized that FluPol may recognize additional Pol II subunits/domains to ensure cap-snatching. Using binary complementation assays between the Pol II and FluPol subunits and their structural domains, we revealed an interaction between the N-third domain of PB2 and RPB4. This interaction was confirmed by a co-immunoprecipitation assay and found to occur with the homologous domains of influenza B and C FluPols. Residues [1-72] of RPB4 were found critical in this interaction. Numerous punctual mutants generated at conserved positions between influenza A, B and C FluPols in the N-third domain of PB2 exhibited strong transcriptional activity defect. These results suggest that FluPol interacts with several domains/subunits of Pol II, the CTD to bind Pol II initiating host transcription and a second on RPB4 to locate FluPol at the proximity of the 5’-end of nascent host mRNA.

Keywords

influenza virus; RNA-polymerase; RNA-polymerase II; protein-protein interaction; PPI; cap snatching; transcription; binary complementation assay

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Virology

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