logo
ResearchBunny Logo
Structural basis for the activation of plant bunyavirus replication machinery and its dual-targeted inhibition by ribavirin

Biology

Structural basis for the activation of plant bunyavirus replication machinery and its dual-targeted inhibition by ribavirin

J. Li, L. Cao, et al.

This groundbreaking research by Jia Li, Lei Cao, and colleagues explores the intricate mechanics of the tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Unveiling five unique cryo-EM structures, the study reveals how a flexible loop senses viral RNA and activates the polymerase, while ribavirin disrupts this essential binding, offering new pathways for antiviral pesticide development.

00:00
Playback language: English
Abstract
This research paper reveals five cryo-EM structures of tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), including apo, RNA-bound, and ribavirin-bound states. A flexible loop (motif F) acts as a sensor for viral RNA, adapting to form a catalytic center. A ten-base RNA 'hook' triggers conformational changes, activating RdRp. Ribavirin disrupts hook binding and catalytic core formation, inhibiting the polymerase. This study provides structural insights into plant bunyavirus RdRp activation and inhibition, aiding in the development of antiviral pesticides.
Publisher
Nature Plants
Published On
Mar 05, 2025
Authors
Jia Li, Lei Cao, Yaqian Zhao, Jinghan Shen, Lei Wang, Mingfeng Feng, Min Zhu, Yonghao Ye, Richard Kormelink, Xiaorong Tao, Xiangxi Wang
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-025-01940-y
Tags
cryogenic electron microscopy
RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
tomato spotted wilt virus
antiviral pesticides
conformational changes
viral RNA
ribavirin

Related Publications

Explore these studies to deepen your understanding of the subject.

Structural basis for modulation of human Nav1.3 by clinical drug and selective antagonist
Medicine and Health

Structural basis for modulation of human Nav1.3 by clinical drug and selective antagonist

X. Li, F. Xu, et al.

Transcriptome and genome sequencing elucidates the molecular basis for the high yield and good quality of the hybrid rice variety Chuanyou6203
Agriculture

Transcriptome and genome sequencing elucidates the molecular basis for the high yield and good quality of the hybrid rice variety Chuanyou6203

J. Ren, F. Zhang, et al.

Identification and quantitation of the actual active components in bamboo juice and its oral liquid by NMR and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS
Food Science and Technology

Identification and quantitation of the actual active components in bamboo juice and its oral liquid by NMR and UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Q. Gao, D. Wang, et al.

A multimodal deep learning approach for the prediction of cognitive decline and its effectiveness in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease
Medicine and Health

A multimodal deep learning approach for the prediction of cognitive decline and its effectiveness in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease

C. Wang, H. Tachimori, et al.

Listen, Learn & Level Up
Over 10,000 hours of research content in 25+ fields, available in 12+ languages.
No more digging through PDFs, just hit play and absorb the world's latest research in your language, on your time.
listen to research audio papers with researchbunny