Rockefeller scientists claim structural model describing NiRAN domain is incorrect

A group of scientists from Rockefeller University recently found faults in a structural model by Yan et al, regarding the NiRAN domain. The model was supposed to be “a tremendous boon for drug developers,” particularly for treating COVID.

Gabriel Small, a graduate fellow at Rockefeller, stated “Their work contains critical errors,” and claims “The data does not support their conclusions,” according to a release. Particularly, the work disproves the existence of “the GTP mimic GMPPNP and a magnesium ion in the NiRAN domain’s active site.”

The Rockefeller researchers published a new report explaining why the model was wrong and why the workings of the NiRAN domain remain unknown. The authors hope their new study will aid “drug developers already working to design antivirals based on flawed assumptions, and underscore the importance of rigorous validation.”