# Translational Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 in response to viral S protein-induced signaling

> **NIH NIH R21** · CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $185,625

## Abstract

Adopted folding of the RNA elements within the genomes of RNA viruses allows binding of host and viral
proteins and plays an essential role in host-virus interactions. However, the mechanistic insights on how these
RNA elements could sense the transduced signals from host cells are lacking for SARS-CoV-2. This project is
based on our recent discovery of a novel and structurally conserved RNA element within the ORF1a RNA and
S mRNA of SARS-CoV-2. Our studies showed that this element regulates the translation of viral proteins in
response to viral S protein-induced signaling in human lung cells. In prior studies, we identified a translational
silencing-dependent mechanism of controlling inflammation in myeloid cells. These studies showed that the
assembly of an L13a-dependent multi-protein RNA-binding complex (IFN-gamma-activated-inhibitor
of translation) or GAIT complex on the GAIT elements found in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target
mRNAs causing translational inhibition. Our studies also showed the physiological importance of this
mechanism as an endogenous defense against inflammation. Importance of the GAIT-like elements in human
responses to coronavirus and other respiratory pathogens is emerging from the published studies by us and
others. Our preliminary work presented in this proposal shows that treatment of human lung cells with SARS-
CoV-2 S protein activates a DAP kinase-dependent signaling mechanism causing the release of L13a from
large ribosomal subunit followed by the formation of L13a-dependent RNA-binding complex on “GAIT-like” viral
RNA elements of SARS-CoV-2, thus inhibiting translation. This led us to name these
elements virus activated inhibitor of translation (VAIT) elements. Together, these studies lead us to
hypothesize that ribosome-released form of L13a upon SARS-CoV-2 infection promotes the assembly of RNA-
binding complex on VAIT element of ORF1a RNA and S mRNA, which is biochemically and functionally distinct
from IFN-g-induced GAIT complex. The role of translational inhibition caused by the VAIT complex is testable.
We will test this hypothesis by pursuing the following two aims. Aim 1. To elucidate the composition of the
translation inhibitory VAIT RNP complex and identification of the upstream kinase in signaling. In this aim we
will use the combined approach of Gel filtration, RNA-affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry to
identify the subunits of the RNA-binding complex. Small molecule inhibitors and siRNA of the potential kinases
will be used to dissect the signaling aspect. Aim 2. To test the virological significance of VAIT element
mediated translational silencing. In this aim we will use extensive mutation in the VAIT element of the S gene
within the viral genomic RNA of the trans-complementation system to test the role of VAIT element-mediated
translational silencing in the intracellular expression of viral proteins and nucleic acid. Mechanistic insights on
VAIT element mediated translational si...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10906983
- **Project number:** 5R21AI173187-02
- **Recipient organization:** CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** BARSANJIT MAZUMDER
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $185,625
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-08-14 → 2026-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10906983

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10906983, Translational Regulation of SARS-CoV-2 in response to viral S protein-induced signaling (5R21AI173187-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10906983. Licensed CC0.

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