Recombinant SARS M protein (Coronavirus)

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

The SARS M protein also known as the membrane protein is an essential component of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) including SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19. This M protein is a glycoprotein with an approximate mass of 25 to 30 kDa. It is abundantly expressed on the surface of the virions and plays a critical role in virus assembly and morphogenesis by providing a scaffold for the virus envelope. The M protein is one of the three major structural proteins of the virus along with the spike (S) and envelope (E) proteins.

Biological function summary

The M protein of the SARS virus facilitates viral assembly and budding processes and interacts with other viral proteins such as the nucleocapsid (N) protein. It also plays a significant role in maintaining the structural stability of the virus. M protein forms homotypic interactions and can also form heterotypic interactions with the E and S proteins contributing to the viral particle assembly. It is not part of a larger cellular complex but is fundamental in forming the viral envelope integrity.

Pathways

The M protein involvement centers around the virus life cycle particularly virus assembly and replication. It fits into the viral replication and assembly pathway by interacting with the N protein which enhances the efficiency of viral particle formation. Additionally the M protein indirectly influences the host cell's cytokine signaling pathway although it does not directly participate in these pathways it modulates the virus's interactions with the host's immune responses.

M protein connects closely with respiratory illnesses chiefly COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2. The M protein plays a role in the pathogenesis of the disease due to its involvement in viral assembly and infectivity. It indirectly impacts protein-mediated immune responses and inflammatory pathways. Additionally the M protein is epidemiologically linked to SARS as it is a shared structural component of all SARS-related coronaviruses helping in understanding the spread and management of these infections.