Binding of SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) and SARS-COV to human ACE2: Identifying binding sites and consequences on ACE2 stiffness.

ABSTRACT: The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (COVID-19) that is causing the massive global pandemic exhibits similar human cell invasion mechanism as the coronavirus SARS-CoV, which had significantly lower fatalities. The cell membrane protein Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is the initiation point for both the coronavirus infections in humans. Here, we model the molecular interactions and mechanical properties of ACE2 with both SARS-CoV and COVID-19 spike protein receptor-binding domains (RBD). We report that the COVID-19 spike RBD interacts with ACE2 more strongly and at only two protein residues, as compared to multi-residue interaction of the SARS-CoV. Although both coronaviruses stiffen the ACE2, the impact of COVID-19 is six times larger, which points towards differences in the severity of the

SUBMITTER: Faisal HMN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8420131 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature