Tag: Emerging Viruses

Study unlock secrets of Zika virus’s multipurpose enzyme and reveals therapeutic vulnerability

Viruses have limited genetic material-;and few proteins-;so all the pieces must work extra hard. Zika is a great example; the virus only produces 10 proteins. Now, in a study published in the journal PLOS Pathogens, researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have shown how the virus does so much with so little and may have identified… Continue reading Study unlock secrets of Zika virus’s multipurpose enzyme and reveals therapeutic vulnerability

Zika’s shape-shifting machinery, and a possible vulnerability

AI SummaryResearchers have discovered how a virus like Zika is able to achieve so much with limited genetic material and proteins, potentially revealing a therapeutic vulnerability.Viruses have limited genetic material — and few proteins — so all the pieces must work extra hard. Zika is a great example; the virus only produces 10 proteins. Now… Continue reading Zika’s shape-shifting machinery, and a possible vulnerability

Zika virus remodelled ER membranes contain proviral factors involved in redox and methylation pathways

AI SummaryResearchers have identified host cell factors that are involved in the Zika virus life cycle and are enriched in the virus-infected ER membranes. These factors play roles in redox and methylation pathways, and their accumulation at the ER membranes contributes to the virus’s replication and assembly. This study provides insights into potential targets for… Continue reading Zika virus remodelled ER membranes contain proviral factors involved in redox and methylation pathways

Interactions between DC-SIGN and the envelope protein from Dengue and Zika viruses: a structural perspective based on molecular dynamics and MM/GBSA analyses

AI SummaryZika virus and dengue virus have many similarities and share the same insect vector.Zika virus (ZIKV) and dengue virus (DENV) share a lot of similarities being both phylogenetically closely related, share the same insect vector passage for reaching the host, affinity for the same carbohydrate… Continue reading on BioMed Central

TWiV 1067: Heads or tails, you win a phage lunch

On this all-bacteriophage episode, TWiV explains the ‘vampire phage’, and and how mammalian cells internalize phage particles and utilize them to enhance cell growth and survival. Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Jolene Ramsey Click arrow to playDownload TWiV 1067 (67 MB .mp3, 93 min) Subscribe (free): Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS, email Become a patron of TWiV! Links… Continue reading TWiV 1067: Heads or tails, you win a phage lunch

Molecular epidemiology, clinical analysis, and genetic characterization of Zika virus infections in Thailand (2020–2023)

Abstract To investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics and evolution of the Zika virus (ZIKV) in Thailand from March 2020 to March 2023. In all, 751 serum samples from hospitalized patients in Bangkok and the surrounding areas were screened for ZIKV using real-time RT-PCR. Demographic data and clinical variables were evaluated. Phylogenetic and molecular clock… Continue reading Molecular epidemiology, clinical analysis, and genetic characterization of Zika virus infections in Thailand (2020–2023)