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Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes
Published on: April 4, 2025
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G-Quadruplexes Are Present in Human Coronaviruses Including SARS-CoV-2
Haoran Cui1,2, Leiliang Zhang1,2
1Institute of Basic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
Frontiers in Microbiology
|November 16, 2020
Summary
This study predicts G-quadruplex sequences in all human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Targeting these G-quadruplexes offers a potential new strategy to combat COVID-19.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Genomics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a human coronavirus.
- G-quadruplexes are known to impede genome replication.
- The presence of G-quadruplexes in human coronaviruses was previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of G-quadruplex sequences in human coronaviruses.
- To analyze conserved G-quadruplex sequences in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
- To explore G-quadruplexes as potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19.
Main Methods:
- Bioinformatic prediction of G-quadruplex sequences in all seven human coronaviruses.
- Experimental verification using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
- Thioflavin T fluorescence assay to confirm G-quadruplex presence.
- Analysis of nsP3 protein association with G-quadruplexes.
Main Results:
- G-quadruplex sequences were predicted in all seven human coronaviruses.
- Conserved G-quadruplex sequences were identified and verified in SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2.
- The nsP3 protein in SARS-CoV-2 is predicted to interact with G-quadruplexes.
Conclusions:
- Human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, harbor G-quadruplex sequences.
- These G-quadruplexes are conserved and can be experimentally verified.
- Targeting SARS-CoV-2 G-quadruplexes with specific ligands presents a novel therapeutic avenue for COVID-19 treatment.
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