Scientific Focus

The genome size of RNA viruses is usually restricted by the low fidelity of the RNA synthesis process. Interestingly, members of the order Nidovirales feature large RNA genomes that suggest a proof-reading activity by a 3’-5’ exoribonuclease (ExoN). We aim to structurally and functionally characterize ExoN proteins from different Nidovirus subfamilies such as Coronaviridae and Tobaniviridae to gain detailed insights into the role that ExoN plays in viral RNA replication fidelity.