Unpacking Pandora From Its Box : Deciphering the Molecular Basis of the SARS-CoV-2 Coronavirus

An enigmatic localized pneumonia escalated into a worldwide COVID-19 pandemic from Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This review aims to consolidate the extensive biological minutiae of SARS-CoV-2 which requires decipherment. Having one of the largest RNA viral genomes, the single strand contains the genes ORF1ab, S, E, M, N and ten open reading frames. Highlighting unique features such as stem-loop formation, slippery frameshifting sequences and ribosomal mimicry, SARS-CoV-2 represents a formidable cellular invader. Hijacking the hosts translational engine, it produces two polyprotein repositories (pp1a and pp1ab), armed with self-cleavage capacity for production of sixteen non-structural proteins. Novel glycosylation sites on the spike trimer reveal unique SARS-CoV-2 features for shielding and cellular internalization. Affording complexity for superior fitness and camouflage, SARS-CoV-2 challenges diagnosis and vaccine vigilance. This review serves the scientific community seeking in-depth molecular details when designing drugs to curb transmission of this biological armament.

Medienart:

E-Artikel

Erscheinungsjahr:

2020

Erschienen:

2020

Enthalten in:

Zur Gesamtaufnahme - volume:22

Enthalten in:

International journal of molecular sciences - 22(2020), 1 vom: 31. Dez.

Sprache:

Englisch

Beteiligte Personen:

O'Leary, Valerie Bríd [VerfasserIn]
Dolly, Oliver James [VerfasserIn]
Höschl, Cyril [VerfasserIn]
Černa, Marie [VerfasserIn]
Ovsepian, Saak Victor [VerfasserIn]

Links:

Volltext

Themen:

2019-nCoV
Bats
COVID-19
Coronavirus
Journal Article
Pandemic
RNA
RNA, Viral
Review
Viral Proteins
Virus

Anmerkungen:

Date Completed 21.01.2021

Date Revised 21.01.2021

published: Electronic

Citation Status MEDLINE

doi:

10.3390/ijms22010386

funding:

Förderinstitution / Projekttitel:

PPN (Katalog-ID):

NLM319604926