Contributions of the N-terminal intrinsically disordered region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein to RNA-induced phase separation

SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is an essential structural component of mature virions, encapsulating the genomic RNA and modulating RNA transcription and replication. Several of its activities might be associated with the protein’s ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation. N^SARS-CoV-2 contains an intrinsically disordered region at its N-terminus (NTE) that can be phosphorylated and is affected by disease-relevant mutations. Here we show that NTE deletion decreases the range of RNA concentrations that can induce phase separation of N^SARS-CoV-2. In addition, deletion of the prion-like NTE allows N^SARS-CoV-2 droplets to retain their liquid-like nature during incubation. We further demonstrate that RNA-binding engages multiple parts of the NTE and changes NTE’s structural properties. The results form the foundation to characterize the impact of N-terminal mutations and post-translational modifications on the molecular properties of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.