Max Plank Researchers Solve Puzzle of Viral Copy Machine

1
2318
The polymerase of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 multiplies the pathogens' genetic material (blue and red). © Lucas Farnung, Christian Dienemann, Hauke Hillen / Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry

How the coronavirus multiplies its genetic material

Max-Plank-Gesellschaft

When someone becomes infected with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen proliferates rapidly in the cells of the infected person. To do so, the virus has to multiply its genetic material, which consists of a single long RNA strand. This task is performed by the viral “copy machine”, the so-called polymerase. Researchers led by Patrick Cramer at the Max Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Göttingen, Germany, have now determined the 3D structure of the corona polymerase. This makes it now possible to investigate how antiviral drugs such as remdesivir – which blocks the polymerase – work, and to search for new inhibitory substances.

“In view of the current pandemic we wanted to help,” Max Planck Director Cramer says. “We have extensive experience in studying polymerases.” It was therefore obvious to the scientists what project to choose.



“We were surprised to find that the structure of the coronavirus polymerase is special – it differs from other structures that we have been investigating so far,” explains Hauke Hillen.

The coronavirus polymerase binds to the RNA in the same way as is known from other types of viruses….read more:

ATTENTION READERS

We See The World From All Sides and Want YOU To Be Fully Informed
In fact, intentional disinformation is a disgraceful scourge in media today. So to assuage any possible errant incorrect information posted herein, we strongly encourage you to seek corroboration from other non-VT sources before forming an educated opinion.

About VT - Policies & Disclosures - Comment Policy
Due to the nature of uncensored content posted by VT's fully independent international writers, VT cannot guarantee absolute validity. All content is owned by the author exclusively. Expressed opinions are NOT necessarily the views of VT, other authors, affiliates, advertisers, sponsors, partners, or technicians. Some content may be satirical in nature. All images are the full responsibility of the article author and NOT VT.

1 COMMENT

Comments are closed.