Experimental and Computational Evidence of a Stable RNA G-Triplex Structure at Physiological Temperature in the SARS-CoV-2 Genome

Abstract

RG1 is a quadruplex-forming sequence in the SARS-CoV-2 genome proposed as possible therapeutic target for COVID-19. We demonstrate that the dominant conformation of RG1 under physiological conditions differs from the parallel quadruplex previously assumed. Through comprehensive investigations employing CD, UV, NMR, DSC, gel electrophoresis, MD simulations, in silico spectroscopy and the use of truncated RG1 sequences, we have identified this stable conformation as an RNA G-triplex composed of two G-triads. We believe this previously unreported RNA structure could serve as a novel therapeutic target. Our findings open new avenues for further studies on the presence and biological role of RNA G-triplexes in vivo.

Keywords: Biophysics; G-quadruplex; G-triplex; Molecular Modelling; SARS-CoV-2.