Robert N. Kirchdoerfer

The nucleoside analog CMX521 inhibits coronavirus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase via a two-pronged mechanism

This study identifies a two-pronged mechanism by which CMX521 inhibits SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase through biochemical assays and single-molecule techniques.

Structural and biochemical analysis of the IBV nsp15 endoribonuclease reveals the necessity of peripheral site residues for activity

This study analyzes IBV nsp15 endoribonuclease structure and function, showing peripheral residues are critical for RNA cleavage and revealing species-specific RNA engagement mechanisms.

Structural Definition of Neutralizing Epitopes within and around the HKU1 Receptor-binding Site Reveals Cell Context-Dependent Neutralization

This study identifies mAbs targeting HCoV-HKU1 spike protein and shows that receptor-binding site recognition alone does not predict neutralization in primary cells.

Template switching by coronavirus polymerase requires helicase activity and is stimulated by remdesivir and molnupiravir

This study shows that coronavirus polymerase template switching is driven by nsp13-helicase and is enhanced by remdesivir and molnupiravir, leading to defective RNA production.

The 2'-endo conformation of arabinose-CTP and arabinose-UTP inhibit viral polymerases by inducing long pauses.

This study shows that arabinose nucleotides inhibit SARS-CoV-2 and poliovirus polymerases by causing long pauses due to the 2'-endo conformation of the incorporated nucleotides.

Adeno-Associated Virus 2 (AAV2) - induced RPA exhaustion generates cellular DNA damage and restricts viral gene expression

This study shows that AAV2 genomes compete with host RPA for binding, causing replication stress and DNA damage, which suppresses viral gene expression.

Detection of Feline Coronavirus RNA in Cats with Feline Infectious Peritonitis and their Housemates

This study compares FCoV RNA levels in FIP cats and their housemates across blood, conjunctiva, and feces, finding no difference between groups but higher levels in feces overall.

A post-assembly conformational change makes the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase elongation-competent

The paper shows that the SARS-CoV-2 polymerase core RTC undergoes a conformational change after RNA binding to become elongation-competent, which is essential for viral RNA synthesis.

A genus-specific nsp12 region impacts polymerase assembly in Alpha- and Gammacoronaviruses

The paper compares structural differences in the nsp12 region across Coronavirinae genera, revealing genus-specific impacts on polymerase assembly in Alpha- and Gammacoronaviruses.