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The G-Quadruplex/Helicase World as a Potential Antiviral Approach Against COVID-19.

ABSTRACT: G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich regions of DNA or RNA. G4 sequences/structures have been detected in human and in viral genomes, including Coronaviruses Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we outline the existing evidence indicating that G4 ligands and inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 helicase may exert some antiviral activity reducing viral replication and can represent a potential therapeutic approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We also discuss how repositioning of FDA-approved drugs against helicase activity of other viruses, could represent a rapid strategy to limit deaths associated with COVID-19 pandemic.

SUBMITTER: Panera N

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7246970 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The G-Quadruplex/Helicase World as a Potential Antiviral Approach Against COVID-19.

Panera Nadia N Tozzi Alberto Eugenio AE Alisi Anna A

Drugs 20200701 10

G-Quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical secondary structures formed within guanine-rich regions of DNA or RNA. G4 sequences/structures have been detected in human and in viral genomes, including Coronaviruses Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. Here, we outline the existing evidence indicating that G4 ligands and inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 helicase may exert some antiviral activity reducing viral replication and can represent a potential therapeutic approach to ...[more]

PMID: 32451923

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