ORF3a

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

ORF3a is a gene that is part of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. It encodes for a protein that is believed to play a role in the virus's replication and pathogenesis.

Function[edit | edit source]

The ORF3a protein is a viroporin, a type of protein that forms pores in the host cell's membrane. This allows the virus to manipulate the cell's functions to its advantage. It is also thought to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in infected cells.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The ORF3a protein is made up of 275 amino acids. It has three transmembrane domains and a cytoplasmic tail. The protein's structure allows it to interact with various other proteins in the host cell.

Role in COVID-19[edit | edit source]

Research has suggested that mutations in the ORF3a gene may affect the severity of COVID-19. Some studies have found that certain mutations are more common in severe cases of the disease.

See also[edit | edit source]

ORF3a Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD