Lessons Learned and Yet-to-Be Learned on the Importance of RNA Structure in SARS-CoV-2 Replication.

ABSTRACT: SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, is a member of the virus family Coronaviridae, known for relatively extensive (~30-kb) RNA genomes that not only encode for numerous proteins but are also capable of forming elaborate structures. As highlighted in this review, these structures perform critical functions in various steps of the viral life cycle, ultimately impacting pathogenesis and transmissibility. We examine these elements in the context of coronavirus evolutionary history and future directions for curbing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and other potential human coronaviruses. While we focus on structures supported by a variety of biochemical, biophysical, and/or computational methods, we also touch here on recent evidence for novel structures in b

SUBMITTER: Bassett M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9491204 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature