Research on the genome of the virus that causes severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has revealed an unusual molecular structure that looks like a promising target for antiviral drugs. A team of ...

A clearer picture of the virus' structure could reveal crucial vulnerabilities. "The envelope properties of SARS-COV-2 are likely to be similar to other coronaviruses," he said.

One small protein in SARS-CoV-2, the Membrane protein, or M protein, is the most abundant and plays a crucial role in how the virus acquires its spherical structure.

Therefore, knowledge of the unique RNA biology of SARS-CoV-2 is important for the development of new therapeutics against this virus, as well as other Betacoronaviruses.

Though it may happen at different rates for different microbes, mutations happen, and SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is no different. New research has shown that when individuals become ...

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine say their new studies suggest that the first pandemic-accelerating mutation in the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, evolved as a way to correct ...

For their study, they developed artificial Sars-CoV-2 virions. The virions have a similar structure to natural viruses but do not contain any genetic information. Therefore, they can be used safely.

SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 are members of the beta coronavirus and share similarities in the structure and function of the surface membrane protein Spike, and both enter cells through the ...