Angiotensin

What is the impact of cholesterol on SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion?

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, researchers assessed the impact of ceramide (CER) and cholesterol (CHOL) on membrane fusion mediated by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. Study: Cholesterol and ceramide facilitate SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein-mediated membrane fusion. Image Credit: CROCOTHERY/Shutterstock. Background SARS-CoV-2 entrance into host cells is … Read more

SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins utilize different mechanisms to bind to ACE2

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A recent study published in the journal Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences applied computational approaches to study the binding mechanisms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and SARS-CoV spike (S) proteins to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Study: Spike proteins of SARS-COV and SARS-COV-2 utilize different mechanisms to bind with human … Read more

Comparison of blood plasma protein expression in mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 identifies novel disease severity biomarkers

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* server, researchers evaluated blood plasma proteins to identify new targets for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment approaches and prevent complications associated with severe illness. Study: Proteomic profiling identifies biomarkers of COVID-19 severity. Image Credit: Billion Photos/Shutterstock Background There is an unmet need for effective therapies for severe … Read more

Structure-directed mutagenesis produces thermostable SARS-CoV-2 spike protein trimers with potential vaccine booster applications

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In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server, a team of researchers investigated the change in the stability, antigenicity, and protein expression of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein trimer using structure-directed mutagenesis to alter a cavity in the core of the spike protein. Study: Enhanced stability of the … Read more