Figure 5. Model for lipid control of M conformational dynamics and coronavirus. assembly.
M protein adopts Mshort and Mlong conformations. Ceramide kinase localization to ERGIC membranes results in high C1P concentrations. C1P binds and stabilizes Mshort in the ERGIC to facilitate recruitment of E and S. Decreasing C1P along the secretory pathway and other potential factors trigger a conformational switch to Mlong that promotes higher membrane curvature and oligomerization necessary for virus assembly and budding.