# Center for dynamic RNA epitranscriptomes - Covid 19 Supplement Version 2

> **NIH NIH RM1** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2020 · $388,014

## Abstract

Abstract
Quantitative sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA modifications and identification of host
modification enzymes critical to viral RNA replication
A new coronavirus disease (known as COVID-19) has swept 200 countries and was declared a
pandemic. The causative agent is named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
(SARS-CoV-2). There is no effective vaccine currently available for SARS-CoV-2. FDA has
approved two anti-malaria drugs, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, for emergency use for
treatment of COVID-19. In addition, remdesivir, a nucleotide analog used for treatment of Ebola
virus disease, is now in clinical trials and clinical use for COVID-19 treatment. Understanding
properties of SARS-CoV-2 and revealing cellular components essential to its infection are critical
to development of effective therapies and vaccines in the near future.
SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus. Its viral RNAs have been shown to be chemically modified.
Previous studies from us and others have revealed crucial roles of viral RNA modifications in viral
replication and immune evasion. Our most recent data indicate that an RNA m5C
methyltransferase NSUN2 plays a vital role in human coronavirus replication inside host cells. In
this administrative supplement application we propose to apply quantitative sequencing methods
developed by our CEGS to map N6-methyladenosine (m6A), 5-methylcytosine (m5C),
pseudouridine (Ψ), 2’-O-methylation (Nm), N7-methylguanosine (m7G) and N1-methyladenosine
(m1A) in SARS-CoV-2 RNA. We will also assign modification enzymes and test their effects on
viral infection using established infection models of SARS-CoV-2. We will specifically examined
NSUN2 and its effect on viral RNA m5C methylation, and test known inhibitors for inhibition of viral
infection. We will also examine potential roles of m6A and related modifications in protecting viral
RNA from host innate immune responses.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10163382
- **Project number:** 3RM1HG008935-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** CHUAN HE
- **Activity code:** RM1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $388,014
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2016-09-27 → 2021-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10163382

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10163382, Center for dynamic RNA epitranscriptomes - Covid 19 Supplement Version 2 (3RM1HG008935-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10163382. Licensed CC0.

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