This study shows that coronavirus RNA synthesis occurs within membrane-bound compartments in host cells, a finding conserved across all four coronavirus genera, including SARS-CoV-2.

bioRxiv · Nov 4, 2021Microbiology

The SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein has a broad tropism for mammalian ACE2 proteins

C. Conceicao, N. Thakur, S. Human, J. T. Kelly, L. Logan, D. Bialy, S. Bhat, P. Stevenson-Leggett, A. Zagrajek, P. Hollinghurst, M. Varga, C. Tsirigoti, J. Hammond, H. J. Maier, E. Bickerton, , D. Bailey

This study shows SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein can bind to ACE2 receptors from multiple mammals, indicating broad host tropism and potential for zoonotic transmission.

bioRxiv · Jun 17, 2020Microbiology

A unifying structural and functional model of the coronavirus replication organelle: tracking down RNA synthesis

E. J. Snijder, R. W. A. L. Limpens, A. H. de Wilde, A. W. M. de Jong, J. C. Zevenhoven-Dobbe, H. J. Maier, F. G. A. Faas, A. J. Koster, M. Barcena

This study identifies double-membrane vesicles (DMVs) as the central site for viral RNA synthesis in coronaviruses, providing a unifying model of the replication organelle.

bioRxiv · Mar 24, 2020Microbiology

Infectious bronchitis virus regulates cellular stress granule signaling

M. J. Brownsword, N. Doyle, M. Brocard, N. Locker, H. J. Maier

This study investigates how infectious bronchitis virus modulates cellular stress granule signaling and translational repression during infection.

bioRxiv · Oct 28, 2019Microbiology