Nonstructural protein 1 (nsp1) widespread RNA decay phenotype varies among Coronaviruses

Extensive remodeling of host gene expression by coronaviruses nsp1 proteins is a well-documented and conserved aspect of coronavirus-host takeover. Using comparative transcriptomics we investigate the diversity of transcriptional targets between nsp1 proteins between a- and ß- coronaviruses. Additionally, Affinity Purification Mass-Spectrometry was implemented to identify common and divergent interactors between the nsp1 proteins. While we detected widespread RNA destabilization between the different nsp1s, closely related nsp1 showed little similarities in clustering of targeted genes. Partial overlapping transcriptional targeting between a-CoV 229E and MERS nsp1 may suggest a shared similar targeting mechanism, as MERS nsp1 preferentially targets nuclear transcripts. Our interactome data shows great variance between nsp1 interactions, with 229E nsp1, the smallest tested here, interacts with the most host proteins, while MERS nsp1 only engaged with a few. While nsp1 is a rather well-conserved protein with consistent functions across different coronaviruses, its precise effects on host cells is virus-specific. Overall design: Comparative gene expression profiling analysis of RNA-seq data comparing cells lentivirally transduced with one of four coronavirus nsp1 protein, with conditions being uninduced nsp1 expression vs induced nsp1 expression