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, t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of molecular sciences 2020-12, Vol.22 (1), p.386
Main Authors: O'Leary, Valerie Bríd, Dolly, Oliver James, Höschl, Cyril, Černa, Marie, Ovsepian, Saak Victor
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
bats
Camouflage
coronavirus
Coronaviruses
COVID-19
COVID-19 - genetics
COVID-19 - metabolism
COVID-19 - virology
Genomes
Glycosylation
Humans
Internalization
Mammals
Mimicry
Open Reading Frames
pandemic
Pandemics
Phylogeny
Pneumonia
Proteins
Review
RNA
RNA polymerase
RNA, Viral - genetics
SARS-CoV-2 - genetics
SARS-CoV-2 - metabolism
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Shielding
Structural proteins
Vigilance
Viral Proteins - metabolism
virus
Viruses
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Summary: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 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.
ISSN:1422-0067
1661-6596
1422-0067
DOI:10.3390/ijms22010386