Nobecovirus

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Script error: No such module "Autovirusbox".

Nobecovirus is a subgenus of viruses within the genus Betacoronavirus, which is part of the family Coronaviridae. This subgenus is known for infecting bats, and it is one of the four subgenera of Betacoronaviruses, the others being Embecovirus, Merbecovirus, and Sarbecovirus.

Taxonomy[edit | edit source]

Nobecovirus is classified under the order Nidovirales, family Coronaviridae, subfamily Orthocoronavirinae. The subgenus Nobecovirus includes several species, with the most well-known being the Rousettus bat coronavirus HKU9.

Virology[edit | edit source]

Nobecoviruses are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. They have a large genome, typical of coronaviruses, which is approximately 26 to 32 kilobases in length. The genome encodes several structural proteins, including the spike (S), envelope (E), membrane (M), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, which are common to all coronaviruses.

Genome Organization[edit | edit source]

The genome of Nobecoviruses is organized in a similar manner to other coronaviruses, with the 5' end containing the replicase complex (ORF1a and ORF1b), followed by the structural proteins S, E, M, and N. The genome also contains several accessory proteins, which vary among different species within the subgenus.

Replication Cycle[edit | edit source]

Nobecoviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of host cells. The virus enters the host cell by binding to a specific receptor on the cell surface, followed by fusion of the viral envelope with the host cell membrane. The viral RNA is then released into the cytoplasm, where it is translated to produce viral proteins. The replicase complex synthesizes a full-length negative-sense RNA, which serves as a template for the production of new positive-sense genomic RNA. The new virions are assembled in the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC) and are released from the cell by exocytosis.

Host Range and Transmission[edit | edit source]

Nobecoviruses primarily infect bats, particularly species within the genus Rousettus. The exact mechanism of transmission among bats is not fully understood, but it is believed to occur through direct contact or via aerosols. There is currently no evidence of Nobecoviruses infecting humans or other animals outside of bats.

Research and Significance[edit | edit source]

Research on Nobecoviruses is important for understanding the diversity and evolution of coronaviruses. Bats are known reservoirs for many viruses, including those that have crossed species barriers to infect humans, such as SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. Studying Nobecoviruses can provide insights into the potential for zoonotic transmission and the emergence of new viral pathogens.

Also see[edit | edit source]


WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD