Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism of membrane insertion and destabilization by the SARS-CoV-2 fusion peptide.

ABSTRACT: Cell penetration after recognition of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus by the ACE2 receptor and the fusion of its viral envelope membrane with cellular membranes are the early steps of infectivity. A region of the Spike protein of the virus, identified as the "fusion peptide" (FP), is liberated at its N-terminal site by a specific cleavage occurring in concert with the interaction of the receptor-binding domain of the Spike. Studies have shown that penetration is enhanced by the required binding of Ca²⁺ ions to the FPs of coronaviruses, but the mechanisms of membrane insertion and destabilization remain unclear. We have predicted the preferred positions of Ca²⁺ binding to the SARS-CoV-2-FP, the role of Ca²⁺ ions in medi

SUBMITTER: Khelashvili G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7899928 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature