Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus RNA (MERS-CoV RNA)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) RNA is the positive-sense, single-stranded genomic material of the MERS-CoV virus, which causes severe respiratory illness in humans (NIH, 2020). The genome is approximately 30,000 nucleotides long and encodes several structural proteins (Spike, Envelope, Membrane, and Nucleocapsid) and non-structural proteins required for viral replication and pathogenesis (PubMed, 2014). As a therapeutic target, the RNA serves as the template for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), which is the primary site of action for nucleotide analogs like remdesivir that induce chain termination (PubChem, 2023). Furthermore, specific sequences within the MERS-CoV RNA are targeted by experimental RNA interference (RNAi) strategies and antisense oligonucleotides to trigger sequence-specific degradation or block translation (Nature, 2015). Targeting the viral RNA is a key strategy for developing broad-spectrum antivirals and precision medicines to combat MERS-CoV infections and prevent outbreaks (WHO, 2023).

Other names

MERS-CoV genomeMERS-CoV genomic RNAMiddle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus genomic RNA

Inhibition of viral RNA synthesis through premature termination of the nascent RNA chain by nucleotide analogs; degradation of viral RNA via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) using siRNAs; steric hindrance of translation by antisense oligonucleotides.