Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

A Fluorogenic Peptide Cleavage Assay to Screen for Proteolytic Activity: Applications for coronavirus spike protein activation
Published on: January 9, 2019
Beyond assembly: functions of the coronavirus M protein
Christopher Kinyanjui Kariuki1,2, Jordi Doijen1, Mandeep Kaur Mann3
1Johnson & Johnson, Turnhoutseweg 30, Beerse, 2340, Belgium.
Abstract:
Coronaviruses are enveloped RNA viruses from the family Coronaviridae, notable for their crown-like spike glycoproteins. Though historically regarded as inconsequential, recent outbreaks, most notably COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, highlight their significant impact on global health. SARS-CoV-2 possesses a 27-31 kb, complex genome encoding multiple structural and non-structural proteins. The membrane/matrix (M) glycoprotein is the most abundant structural component of the viral envelope and confers the minimal requirement for virion formation. Its highly conserved structure, featuring three transmembrane domains, facilitates interactions with other viral proteins that are essential for assembly, budding, and maintaining the integrity of the viral envelope. Beyond its canonical functions in virion assembly and egress, emerging evidence suggests the M protein influences early infection processes, modulates host immune responses, and may serve as a promising antiviral target. This mini review consolidates current knowledge on the structure, multifunctional roles, and therapeutic potential of the coronavirus M protein, emphasizing the necessity for further research into its diverse functions throughout the viral lifecycle.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Viral Structure
Leaky Scanning
Mechanical Protein Function
Mechanical Protein Functions
Intracellular Movement of Viruses and Bacteria
Conjugated Proteins
Nucleoproteins are protein complexes that contain nucleic acids, categorized as deoxyribonucleoproteins (DNPs) or ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) respectively. The nucleosome is a typical example of a DNP where nuclear DNA is associated with histone proteins. The major antigen for the Covid-19 virus SARS-CoV is an RNP that is critical...

