Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope
08:09

Peptide Scanning-assisted Identification of a Monoclonal Antibody-recognized Linear B-cell Epitope

Published on: March 24, 2017

10.0K

Aminopeptidase N is a receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses

Min Jin1, Victoria A Jefferson2, Zhe Zhao3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|September 15, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Hedgehog merbecoviruses use Aminopeptidase N (APN) to enter host cells. This discovery clarifies viral entry mechanisms and informs zoonotic risk assessments for these MERS-CoV relatives.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Structural Biology
  • Zoonosis Research

Background:

  • Merbecoviruses, related to MERS-CoV, are found in hedgehogs globally.
  • Concerns exist regarding zoonotic transmission potential to humans and animals.
  • The host cell entry mechanism for hedgehog merbecoviruses was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the host cell entry receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses.
  • To understand the molecular basis of species barriers for merbecovirus entry.
  • To inform risk assessments for potential viral emergence and zoonotic transmission.

Main Methods:

  • Tested European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) coronavirus receptor orthologues.
  • Utilized single-cycle pseudotype and replication-competent virus assays.
  • Performed protein binding assays and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM).

Main Results:

  • Identified Aminopeptidase N (APN) as the entry receptor for hedgehog merbecoviruses.
  • Confirmed APN as the receptor using multiple experimental approaches.
  • Cryo-EM revealed a unique viral glycoprotein-APN interaction interface, distinct from other betacoronaviruses.

Conclusions:

  • Aminopeptidase N is a key receptor for hedgehog merbecovirus entry.
  • The unique binding interface explains species-specific entry barriers.
  • Findings expand knowledge of betacoronavirus receptors and zoonotic potential.

More Related Videos

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods10:40

Analysis of Group IV Viral SSHHPS Using In Vitro and In Silico Methods

Published on: December 21, 2019

26.4K
Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis07:26

Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis

Published on: January 31, 2025

1.0K

Related Concept Videos

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
9.8K
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs01:15

Receptor Downregulation in MVBs

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are mature endosomes that sort ubiquitinated proteins and then fuse with lysosomes to degrade the sorted proteins. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) form a complex that can be internalized through endocytosis, sorted into an MVB, and later degraded.
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that  lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR  stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive  EGFR...
2.8K
Rab Proteins01:14

Rab Proteins

Rab proteins constitute the largest family of monomeric GTPases, of which 70 members are present in humans. Rab proteins and their effectors regulate consecutive stages of vesicle transport such as vesicle transport, docking, and fusion to the correct recipient membrane.
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...
5.0K
Notch Signaling Pathway03:14

Notch Signaling Pathway

The Notch signaling pathway is a major intracellular signaling pathway that is highly conserved over a broad spectrum of metazoan species. It stands unique from other intracellular signaling mechanisms in animals because notch protein itself acts as the receptor as well as the primary signaling molecule.
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not...
6.4K
Enzyme-linked Receptors01:00

Enzyme-linked Receptors

Enzyme-linked receptors are proteins that act as both receptor and enzyme, activating multiple intracellular signals. This is a large group of receptors that include the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) family. Many growth factors and hormones bind to and activate the RTKs.
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
86.0K
Receptor-mediated Endocytosis01:20

Receptor-mediated Endocytosis

Receptor-mediated endocytosis is when bulk amounts of specific molecules are imported into a cell after binding to cell surface receptors. The molecules bound to these receptors are taken into the cell through inward folding of the cell surface membrane, which is eventually pinched off into a vesicle within the cell. Structural proteins, such as clathrin, coat the budding vesicle.
Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis of LDL
One well-characterized example of receptor-mediated endocytosis is the...
7.5K