Characterization of the role of betacoronavirus M protein in viral assembly – coronem

Coronaviruses are positive-stranded RNA, enveloped viruses. The lipidic envelope contains 3 viral proteins with the membrane protein (M) being the most abundant component and the driving force in viral assembly. The main objective of this project is to better understand the morphogenesis of MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 by focusing on the role of the M protein in this process. More precisely, we will identify the M protein regions(s) involved in viral assembly and determine their mechanism of action. In our approach, the identified regions will be assessed for their function in the intracellular trafficking of the protein to the budding site and in interaction with the other viral proteins, keeping in mind that the intracellular trafficking of the MERS-M protein may affect protein-protein interaction and conversely. We also aim at determining the structure of the M protein and at identifying cellular factors involved in coronavirus assembly and how the M protein may recruit these factors.