Using Yeast to Identify Coronavirus–Host Protein Interactions

Weston, Stuart; Frieman, Matthew

We have developed a screening system using the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to identify eukaryotic genes involved in the replication of mammalian viruses. Yeast come with various advantages, but in the context of coronavirus research and the system outlined here, they are simple and easy to work with and can be used at biosafety level 2. The system involves inducible expression of individual viral proteins and identification of detrimental phenotypes in the yeast. Yeast knockout and overexpression libraries can then be used for genome-wide screening of host proteins that provide a suppressor phenotype. From the yeast hits, a narrowed list of candidate genes can be produced to investigate for roles in viral replication. Since the system only requires expression of viral proteins, it can be used for any current or emerging virus, regardless of biocontainment requirements and ability to culture the virus. In this chapter, we will outline the protocols that can be used to take advantage of S. cerevisiae as a tool to advance understanding of how viruses interact with eukaryotic cells.