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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
Sequence-specific Labeling of Nucleic Acids and Proteins with Methyltransferases and Cofactor Analogues
Published on: November 22, 2014
COVID-19: A methyl-group assault?
Andrew McCaddon1, Björn Regland2
1Gardden Road Surgery, Rhosllanerchrugog Wrexham, LL14 2EN, UK.
Abstract:
The socio-economic implications of COVID-19 are devastating. Considerable morbidity is attributed to 'long-COVID' - an increasingly recognized complication of infection. Its diverse symptoms are reminiscent of vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which methylation status is compromised. We suggest why SARS-CoV-2 infection likely leads to increased methyl-group requirements and other disturbances of one-carbon metabolism. We propose these might explain the varied symptoms of long-COVID. Our suggested mechanismmight also apply to similar conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. The hypothesis is evaluable by detailed determination of vitamin B12and folate status, including serum formate as well as homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, and correlation with viral and host RNA methylation and symptomatology. If confirmed, methyl-group support should prove beneficial in such individuals.
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