Infrared Spectroscopy of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Protein: from Receptor Binding Domain to Spike Protein
The knowledge of the secondary structural characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 S protein and their components is of primary importance to understand the mechanisms occurring in the viral process and to address specific actions aimed at developing prevention actions. In a collaborative framework coordinated by SapienzaTerahertz group, SARS-CoV-2 Viral Protein domains, from Receptor Binding Domain to Spike Protein, are investigated through infrared vibrational spectroscopy. Experimental data in combination with MultiFOLD predictions, Define Secondary Structure of Proteins (DSSP) web server and Gravy value calculations, provide a comprehensive understanding of RBD, S1, S2, and S proteins in terms of their secondary structure content, conformational order, and interaction with the solvent.
All these results allow us to clarify the role of each S component and their contribution to the whole S protein conformational order and interaction, contributing to shed light on their properties and functionalities. Moreover, those results are of primary importance for addressing specific actions aimed at the development of specific drugs and diagnostic tools, such as the design of optical-based biosensors.
This work has been performed in the framework of Rome Technopole joint lab (Spoke 6) action and has been supported by Science for Peace and Security NATO programme.
Autori: Tiziana Mancini, Salvatore Macis, Rosanna Mosetti, Nicole Luchetti, Velia Minicozzi, Andrea Notargiacomo, Marialilia Pea, Augusto Marcelli, Giancarlo Della Ventura, Stefano Lupi, Annalisa D'Arco
For more info: https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202400823